Variations in Counts of Lactobacilli Made from Single Specimens of Saliva

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Abstract
Series of plates, each made from single specimens of saliva, with extreme care in measurement, gave colony counts which varied over wide ranges. Different mechanical methods of mixing the original specimens did not increase the uniformity of the counts. More consistent results were obtained when 5 ml. of the original specimen were placed in an equal amt. of fluid agar and beaten before a 2d dilution was made and the specimen plated. All methods used gave some series showing wide variations. The assemblage of data from each cooperator emphasized the wide range of counts obtainable from a single specimen. It is concluded that, while trends are apparent in the Lactobacillus counts of individuals, conclusions as to hourly or daily fluctuations are unjustified when based on single counts or series of counts.