Salivary Cortisol Associated with Increasing Mutans streptococci Count in Drug Abuser

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and the viable count of mutans streptococci in drug abusers. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2022 and included 86 participants aged between 17 to 30 years, who were equally divided into two groups:  cases (n= 43) and controls (n= 43). All participants underwent a urine drug line test to confirm their drug use status. Saliva was collected, and centrifuged at 3000 for 10 min, and the supernatant was stored at -20°C for later estimation of salivary cortisol levels using a Cobas device. The viable count of Mutans streptococci was determined using an identification and culturing method to calculate the colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Results: The drug abusers exhibited a significantly higher concentration of salivary cortisol as compared to the control group. In addition, the cases showed a positive correlation between salivary cortisol levels and the count of Mutans Streptococci. In contrast, the control group demonstrated a negative and non-significant relationship. Conclusion: The data from the current study indicated a higher concentration of salivary cortisol associated with an increasing count of Mutans streptococci compared to the control group.