Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Streptococcus mutans strains isolated from endodontic infections

Streptococcus mutans plays an important role in caries etiology and eventually in systemic infections. However, it is often found in infected root canals but the pathophysiological characteristics of strains residing in this site are largely unkonwn. Here, we characterized strains of S. mutans isolated from root canals of primary (PI) and secondary/persistent (SI) endodontic infections in relation to: serotype and genotype; presence of genes coding for collagen binding proteins (CBPs); collagen binding activity and biofilm formation capacity; ability to withstand environmental stresses; systemic virulence in Galleria mellonella; invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and human dental pupal fibroblasts (HDPFs).
Source: Journal of Endodontics - Category: Dentistry Authors: Tags: Basic Research-Biology Source Type: research