Effect of Relative Humidity on Aerosol Persistence of Streptococcus salivarius

Abstract

Three different strains of the common oral inhabitant, Streptococcus salivarius, were atomized into the Naval Biomedical Research Laboratory’s Programmed Environment, Aerosol Facility controlled at 82 F (28 C) and at eight relative humidity values ranging from 0 to 92%. The ability of these organisms to remain viable under such conditions, with a negligible drop in viable count during an observation period of 12 hours, is indicative of the hazard one may encounter in a dental office.