[Effect of para-aminobenzoic acid on the growth of Actinomyces viscosus].

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on the growth of Actinomyces viscosus.

Methods: Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L) were each transferred to modified Carlsson medium. Actinomyces viscosus ATCC19246 grew in them. And the cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C anaerobically in the atmosphere of 80%N2, 10%H2, 10%CO2 for 48 h. Actinomyces viscosus OD values (lambda = 540 nm) were obtained with UV-1601. Colony forming unit (CFU) was established by growth of Actinomyces viscosus in culture when different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L) were present.

Results: Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-4) g/L) had different stimulating effects on the growth of Actinomyces viscosus (P < 0.05). But this kind of stimulating effect declined when PABA concentration was 10(-5) g/L, and as PABA (10(-3) g/L) was present, this kind of effect was missing.

Conclusion: The phenomena indicated that PABA has stimulating effect on the growth of Actinomyces viscosus, particularly when PABA is at the concentration of 10(-6) g/L.