Streptococcus mutans serotypes and collagen ‐binding proteins Cnm/Cbm in children with caries analysed by PCR

This study is the first to report on the prevalence ofS. mutans serotypes in a United States population using the PCR based identification approach with 3 sample types. The prevalence ofS. mutans serotypek reported herein is the highest reported to date and strains with both collagen ‐binding proteins Cbm and Cnm were observed. This study highlights the need for further study ofS. mutans serotypek and collagen ‐binding proteins in the overall health of patients in the United States. Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacterium associated with dental caries, has four known clinical serotypes (c, e, fandk). Certain serotypes, the presence of multiple serotypes and strains with collagen ‐binding proteins (CBP, Cnm and Cbm) have been linked with systemic disease. Evaluation ofS mutans serotype distribution and caries association is needed in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence ofS mutans serotypes from two cohorts of African ‐American children in rural Alabama using three sample types (saliva, plaque and individualS mutans isolates) by PCR detection for association with caries. Detection of CBP was also performed by PCR. In total, 129 children were evaluated and overall prevalence of serotypes were: serotypec(98%),e(26%),f(7%) andk(52%). Serotypec was statistically associated with higher caries scores in older children (P <  0.001) and serotypek was statistically more likely in females (P = 0.004). Fourteen per cent of children ...
Source: Molecular Oral Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research