Induction of Secretory Antibodies in Humans Following Ingestion of Streptococcus Mutans

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Abstract
The finding that ingestion of bacterial antigen in animals and in man induces the appearance of s-IgA antibodies in colostrum and milk (1–5) strongly suggests that local stimulation of secretory glands is not required for this induction. This conclusion is reinforced by the observation of naturally-occurring antibody to such bacteria as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. mutans in saliva, colostrum and milk. This study offers data which suggests that ingestion of S. mutans antigen by human volunteers induces the selective appearance of s-IgA antibody in salivary and lacrimal secretions in the absence of a detectable serum response.