Mutans In Saliva Research Articles

Genotypes of Streptococcus mutans in saliva versus dental plaque

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether genotypes of Streptococcus mutans strain can be detected as effectively in saliva samples as in plaque samples from buccal surfaces and occlusal surface fissures of permanent first molars. Design The study included 20 school children aged 6–7 years who were positive for mutans streptococci. Samples of stimulated saliva and of dental plaque on buccal surfaces and occlusal surface fissures of permanent first molars were collected. Samples were cultivated in MSB agar. Up to nine isolates compatible with mutans streptococci were obtained and identified by means of biochemical tests. All isolates identified as S. mutans were genotyped by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 28 genotypes of S. mutans were isolated: 23 in saliva samples, 23 in buccal surface plaque samples, and 16 in plaque samples from occlusal surface fissures. Conclusions Although, saliva sampling did not reveal all genotypes isolated, it was equally as effective as plaque sampling from the buccal surfaces of permanent first molars, and more effective than plaque sampling from fissures on their occlusal surfaces.

Caries-related factors for preschool children

To evaluate the significance of variables such as saliva mutans streptococci, oral hygiene, dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and socio-economic status in assessing the level of caries risk for preschool children. The case-control study was used. Among 1018 children at the age of 4 and 5, 204 children with dmft > or = 6 were included in caries group and 237 children in caries free group. Saliva mutans streptococci, saliva flow rate and buffer capacity, and debris index were tested for all children. Their mothers finished the standardized questionnaire for information about dietary and oral hygiene habits of the children, breast and bottle feeding history and socio-economic status. Logistic regression analysis showed that the saliva mutans streptococci (OR = 3.019), debris index (OR = 2.263), frequency of consumption of snacks and sweets (OR = 1.729), frequency of intake of soft drinks (OR = 1.496) and use of sweetened food in nursing bottle (OR = 2.255) were significant factors. High level of saliva mutans streptococci, bad oral hygiene, frequent intake of sweet food, and sugar contents in nursing bottle were the important risk factors for dental caries on primary teeth.

Effect of Fluoride Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Caries Free Children Using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans Test: A Randomized Controlled Triple Blind Study.

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva of caries free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans and to evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of these caries free children.Methods and material: Thirty caries free children were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire prepared. They were randomly assigned into the control group and the study group consisting of ten and twenty children respectively. Samples of saliva were collected using the saliva strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation the presence of the Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers’ chart. The study group was subjected to Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application after 24 hours following which the samples were collected again.Results: The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children was in the range of 104 to 105 colony forming units/ml. The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children after Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application was below 104 colony forming units/ml.Conclusion: Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application showed a statistically significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of the caries free children in the study group.

Assessment of Human Immune Response to Mutans Streptococcal Glucosyltransferase Peptides Selected by MHC Class II Binding Probability

Dental decay is a major public health challenge, causing substantial social and economic burdens. In animals, vaccination against mutans streptococci, the causative organism, interferes with dental caries. The mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferase (GTF) has been effectively used as a protein antigen in experimental dental caries vaccines. Compared to whole proteins, peptide subunits can focus immune responses on protective epitopes, and not on potentially harmful cross reactive antigens. In the past we selected peptide subunits of GTF for vaccine discovery based on putative functional significance and conservation of GTF primary structure. To focus on the immunogenicity of peptides, we estimated the probability of MHC class II binding. Twenty 20-mer linear GTF peptides were synthesized on this basis and their immunoreactivity explored. Significant human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC; n = 12) proliferation was observed in response to amino acids (AA) 502–521 (peptide 7), located in the catalytic domain of GTF. Human serum (n = 36) antibody reactivity was observed to AA 438–457 (peptide 5), AA 502–521 (peptide 7), and AA 1376–1395 (peptide 16). Whole saliva mutans streptococcal levels were used as markers of mutans infection, and dental examinations to determine existing and historic caries (DMFS score) were performed. DMFS scores correlated with mutans streptococcal counts, but not with immune responses. We have identified peptides with projected avid MHC-binding activity that reacted with human PBMC and serum antibody, implying that these peptides are immunogenic and may be of significance in a subunit dental caries vaccine.

Anticariogenic effect of fluoride-releasing elastomers in orthodontic patients

This in vivo experimental study evaluated the efficacy of fluoride-releasing elastomers in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. Forty orthodontic patients were recruited and divided into two groups of 20. Fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties (Fluor-I-Ties, Ortho Arch Co. Inc., USA) were used in the experimental group, and conventional elastomeric ligature ties (D. Morelli, Brazil), in the control group. Two initial samples of saliva were collected at a 14-day interval to determine the number of colony forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans. Immediately after collecting the second sample, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties were placed in the patients of the experimental group, and conventional ligature ties, in the patients of the control group. Seven, 14 and 28 days after placement of the elastomeric ligature ties, saliva and plaque surrounding the orthodontic appliance were collected for microbiologic analysis. There were no significant differences in the number of Streptococcus mutans CFUs in saliva or plaque in the area surrounding the fluoride-releasing or conventional elastomeric ligature ties. Thus, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties should not be indicated to reduce the incidence of enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients. Since there was no significant reduction in S. mutans in saliva or plaque, other means of prevention against enamel decalcification should be indicated for these patients.

A Rapid and Quantitative Detection System for Streptococcus mutans in Saliva Using Monoclonal Antibodies

A new semiquantitative enumeration system was developed to detect Streptococcus mutans in saliva. Using species-specific monoclonal antibodies, the system quickly detected salivary S. mutans in 30 min and classified the results into three levels. In this study, saliva samples collected from 28 young adults aged between 22 and 24 years were subjected to the monoclonal antibody-based detecting system and selective medium-based detecting methods. The results generated from the PCR-confirmed culture method indicated the mean salivary S. mutans counts at level 1, 2 and 3 were 5.7 × 10⁴, 1.3 × 10⁵ and 3.4 × 10⁶ CFU/ml, respectively. The differences between level 3 and 1 and level 3 and 2 were statistically significant (one-way ANOVA; p < 0.01). The results generated from the system were consistent with the data generated from two culture-based commercial products.

Correlation among mutans streptococci counts, dental caries, and IgA to Streptococcus mutans in saliva

Two-hundred and forty individuals were studied, divided into five groups as follows: caries-free children, children with caries, children with rampant caries, young adults with and without caries. Whole stimulated saliva was collected and all individuals were investigated for DMFT/dmft according to the WHO criteria and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Quantitative analysis of the total aerobic flora and mutans streptococci in saliva was performed. Also, the level of salivary anti-S. mutans IgA was determined by ELISA. Children with rampant caries showed the highest OHI-S value. The highest total counts of microorganisms were found in the group of children with caries. No statistically significant differences were observed for salivary flow, OHI-S and microorganism counts between the groups of young adults. No correlation between mutans streptococci counts and anti-Streptococcus mutans IgA levels was observed in the studied groups. A correlation between increased anti-Streptococcus mutans IgA levels and caries-free status was observed among young adults but not among children.

Determination of bacterial activity by use of an evanescent-wave fiber-optic sensor.

A novel technique based on fiber-optic evanescent-wave spectroscopy is proposed for the detection of bacterial activity in human saliva. The sensor determines th e specific concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, which is a major causative factor in dental caries. In this design, one prepares the fiber-optic bacterial sensor by replacing a portion of the cladding region of a multimode fiber with a dye-encapsulated xerogel, using the solgel technique. The exponential decay of the evanescent wave at the core-cladding interface of a multimode fiber is utilized for the determination of bacterial activity in saliva. The acidogenic profile of Streptococcus mutans is estimated by use of evanescent-waveabsorption spectra at various levels of bacterial activity.

Streptococcus mutans in saliva of normal subjects and neck and head irradiated cancer subjects after consumption of honey

The antibacterial activity of natural honey consumption has been examined in patients suffering from head and neck cancer who developed hyposalivation following irradiation treatment. Enumeration of total bacteria and streptococcus mutans was carried out in saliva of the patients and of a normal volunteer group before and after honey consumption. Total bacteria count was not significantly different between both groups, whereas the streptococcus mutans count decreased significantly in the experimental group following honey consumption.

Functional and immunogenic characterization of two cloned regions of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase I.

Glucosyltransferase (GTF) enzymes of mutans streptococci are considered virulence factors due to their ability to synthesize adhesive glucans, which facilitate cell-to-cell adherence and accumulation. In this study we report the cloning, expression, and characterization of the catalytic (CAT) and glucan-binding (GLU) domains of S. mutans GTF-I encoded by gtfB. The CAT and GLU polypeptides represent amino acid residues 253 to 628 and 1183 to 1473, respectively, of S. mutans GTF-I. Antibodies to recombinant CAT and GLU were generated in rabbits and purified by affinity chromatography. Purified anti-CAT antibodies significantly inhibited water-insoluble glucan synthesis by S. mutans and S. sobrinus GTFs (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). The purified anti-GLU antibodies significantly inhibited both water-insoluble and water-soluble glucan synthesis by S. mutans GTFs (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). These results demonstrate that anti-CAT and anti-GLU antibodies are capable of inhibiting a variety of GTF activities. Since antibodies to S. mutans in saliva are implicated in protection against disease, we next assessed the ability of CAT and GLU polypeptides to induce mucosal antibody responses in mice. Intranasal (i.n.) immunization of mice with CAT showed significantly (P < 0.005) elevated levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody activity in serum and specific IgA antibody activity in serum, saliva, vaginal washes, and fecal samples. GLU immunized animals showed significantly (P < 0.005) elevated levels of specific IgA antibody activity in serum and vaginal secretions. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the recombinant CAT and GLU polypeptides are effective in inducing both mucosal and systemic immune responses. The ability of these polypeptides to induce a mucosal IgA immune response in mice after i.n. immunization supports their use as subunit vaccine candidates in the development of an anticaries vaccine.

Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in 18-month-old children with cleft lip and/or palate.

The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli was determined in 62 18-month-old Dutch children with a cleft lip and/or palate. Plaque and saliva samples were collected, a dental examination was performed, and the parents were interviewed with a structured questionnaire regarding general health, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, and socioeconomic class. Appropriate dilutions of the plaque and saliva samples were cultured on selective media to count all viable bacteria, S. mutans and lactobacilli. S. mutans was detected in the saliva of 45% of the children, and lactobacilli was detected in 16%. Also, S. mutans was detected in 48% of the plaque samples and lactobacilli in 8%. Of all of the variables examined, consumption of more than three snacks and beverages between main meals was significantly associated with presence of S. mutans in saliva. Preoperative infant orthopedic treatment (i.e., wearing an acrylic plate from shortly after birth) was significantly associated with presence of lactobacilli in saliva. The presence of S. mutans in the plaque samples was also significantly associated with presence of lactobacilli in saliva. These results indicate that children with oral cleft are at an increased risk of being infected by S. mutans and lactobacilli at a very early age. Such early colonization indicates a high risk for caries in the primary dentition.

Prevalence ofStreptococcus mutansand Lactobacilli in 18-Month-Old Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate

The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli was determined in 62 18-month-old Dutch children with a cleft lip and/or palate. Plaque and saliva samples were collected, a dental examination was performed, and the parents were interviewed with a structured questionnaire regarding general health, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, and socioeconomic class. Appropriate dilutions of the plaque and saliva samples were cultured on selective media to count all viable bacteria, S. mutans and lactobacilli. S. mutans was detected in the saliva of 45% of the children, and lactobacilli was detected in 16%. Also, S. mutans was detected in 48% of the plaque samples and lactobacilli in 8%. Of all of the variables examined, consumption of more than three snacks and beverages between main meals was significantly associated with presence of S. mutans in saliva. Preoperative infant orthopedic treatment (i.e., wearing an acrylic plate from shortly after birth) was significantly associated with presence of lactobacilli in saliva. The presence of S. mutans in the plaque samples was also significantly associated with presence of lactobacilli in saliva. These results indicate that children with oral cleft are at an increased risk of being infected by S. mutans and lactobacilli at a very early age. Such early colonization indicates a high risk for caries in the primary dentition.

Effect of 0.4% stannous fluoride gel on the clinical signs and the number of Streptococcus mutans in saliva

Effect of 0.4% stannous fluoride gel on the clinical signs and the number of Streptococcus mutans in saliva

Bacterial agglutinin activity in the saliva of human identical and fraternal twins

The major factor in human saliva responsible for the specific aggregation of oral streptococci is a high molecular-weight glycoprotein (agglutinin). To determine if the level of this glycoprotein in whole and parotid saliva was genetically determined, agglutinin activity for Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans in saliva obtained from identical and fraternal twins was compared. Evidence for the heritability of agglutinin activity and also parotid flow rate and total protein was obtained. There was no evidence for a significant genetic contribution to salivary sodium concentration.

The influence of removable partial dentures on the level of Streptococcus mutans in saliva

S everal clinical studies have investigated the incidence of caries and plaque accumulation in patients with removable partial dentures (RPDs). In two long-term studies, caries and plaque accumulation on abutment teeth were found to be high.‘,* In two other studies, plaque was noted particularly on tooth surfaces associated with a denture clasp or the denture base.3p4 Twice daily toothbrushing, reportedly, did not fully offset the increase in plaque accumulation.3 However, patients with RPDs, who received a program of intensive and reinforced oral hygiene instruction, were found to have low plaque scores and minimal caries incidence.5j6 Similarly, the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances has been associated with increased plaque retention.’ Several studies have also reported proliferation of Streptococcus mutans, the microorganism most associated with caries activity,&” in patients wearing orthodontic appliances. ‘*-I4 The increased proportion of S. mutans in such patients is perhaps because this microorganism colonizes retentive tooth sites more readily than nonretentive sites.15 Furthermore, S. mutans has been noted to colonize the acrylic resin of complete dentures.16 Given the association of S. nzutans with caries incidence, the present study was done to establish whether a change in the level of this microorganism also occurs in patients who receive RPDs. Thus salivary concentrations of S. mutans were analyzed in partially edentulous patients both before and after insertion of their dentures.

Streptococcus mutans counts obtained by a dip-slide method in relation to caries frequency, sucrose intake and flow rate of saliva.

The level of Streptococcus mutans in saliva was determined by a dip-slide method in 841 13-year-old children in order to identify children with high caries risk. For each child, the flow rate of saliva was determined. Caries scores were obtained from Public Dental Health records. A sucrose intake score was calculated based on self-reported frequency of intake of six types of sugary products. As S. mutans counts increased, there was a significant trend of increased DMFS and DS scores. No linear correlation was observed between reported intake of sucrose and S. mutans counts, but the children with the highest counts (class 3) tended to have significantly higher sucrose intake than the rest of the children. The flow rate of saliva decreased significantly as S. mutans increased.

Caries incidence in orthodontic patients with high levels of Streptococcus mutans.

The development of new carious lesions during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was studied in patients with high levels of caries inducing oral microflora ( S. mutans ) in saliva prior to treatment. All patients were given an oral hygiene education and fluoride applications prior to the active orthodontic treatment period, and were divided into one test and one control group. In the test group, chlorhexidine treatments were performed throughout the active orthodontic treatment period whenever the amount of S. mutans in saliva exceeded the level of selection. A difference in caries incidence was recorded between the groups primarily on buccal surfaces of bonded teeth; but this was not found to be statistically significant.

Lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans in saliva, diet and caries increment in 8- and 13-year-old children.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the correlation between some dietary factors and prevalence of lactobacilli and S. mutans in saliva in randomly selected groups of 8- and 13-yr-old children. The relation between these parameters and caries increment over a 1-yr period was also studied. In general there was a weak correlation between the number of these bacteria in saliva and total intake of sugar, sucrose intake and meal frequency. However, the probability of finding low total sugar intake, low sucrose intake and a low meal frequency was highest when there was a low prevalence of both bacteria and finding high total sugar, high sucrose and high meal frequency when there was a high prevalence of both bacteria. It was also shown that knowledge of sugar intake and meal frequency provided some supplement to bacterial tests in the selection of caries-risk patients.

Effects of partial sugar restriction for 6 weeks on numbers of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and interdental plaque in man.

Twenty 17-year-old schoolchildren were selected for the study because of high salivary counts of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> ( > 10⁶ CFU/ml) and a frequent intake of sugars between meals. After a baseline determination of the numbers of <i>S. mutans</i> and lactobacilli in saliva, and of <i>S. mutans</i> in interdental plaque, the subjects were asked to avoid sugar-containing between-meal products, e. g. sweets, chewing gum, soft drinks and confectionery, and to eat a maximum of 4–5 meals/day. After 6 weeks of sugar restriction, the participants were allowed to return to their former food habits and were then followed for a further 6-week period. Seven subjects, also with high salivary counts of <i>S. mutans</i> and a frequent sugar consumption, served as control group. The results showed a statistically significant decrease of mean salivary <i>S. mutans</i> counts from 1.5 × 10⁶ to 0.3 × 10⁶ CFU/ml (p < 0.001) during the sugar restriction period. The mean number of lactobacilli in saliva decreased from 2.3 × 10⁴ to 0.2 × 10⁴ CFU/ml (p < 0.001). Regarding the interdental plaque samples, the number of tooth surfaces with detectable <i>S. mutans</i> were reduced from 52 to 32% (p < 0.001). When the subjects returned to their former food habits, the <i>S. mutans</i> and lactobacillus values almost reached the baseline level again. No obvious changes were found in the control group for any of the studied variables. To conclude, the 6-week period with sugar restriction reduced the number of <i>S. mutans</i> both in saliva and in interproximal spaces. Also the lactobacillus counts in saliva decreased.

The relationship between the bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the saliva and dental caries in children in Mozambique

Four hundred and sixty-two children, aged 10–14 years, from eight areas were examined for Streptococcus mutans in saliva and for dental caries. Strep. mutans strains from some samples were further characterized by serological and biochemical methods. Strep. mutans was identified in 98 per cent of the children and 40 per cent showed high counts. Serotypes c and d dominated among the strains. The distribution of Strep. mutans among the children varied between the eight areas but was not correlated with the difference in caries prevalence which ranged from 38 to 88 per cent. In individual children, however, there was an association between high counts of Strep. mutans and the presence of dental caries. Thus, Strep. mutans can be widely distributed and occurs in high numbers in a population with a low prevalence of caries.