Streptococcus mutans
(HMT-686)
Taxon Description:
Belongs to a phenotypic group called the mutans streptococci which include S. sobrinus S. ferus S. cricetus S. rattus and serotype 'h' [4]. Phylogenetically distinct from other species of Streptococcus.
Disease Associations:
Strong association with human dental caries considered the primary cause of caries although caries can occur in the absence of S. mutans. Also associated with endodontic lesions odontogenic infections infectious endocarditis and cardiovascular disease [2]Is carogenic in experimental animals (rats hamsters gerbils mice and monkey.Vaccines which target S. mutans are being developed to prevent caries formation [1].
Prevalence and Source:
Commonly detected on human teeth in supragingival plaque and usually associated with caries. Has been isolated from human feces.
Belongs to a phenotypic group called the mutans streptococci which include S. sobrinus S. ferus S. cricetus S. rattus and serotype 'h' [4]. Phylogenetically distinct from other species of Streptococcus.
Disease Associations:
Strong association with human dental caries considered the primary cause of caries although caries can occur in the absence of S. mutans. Also associated with endodontic lesions odontogenic infections infectious endocarditis and cardiovascular disease [2]Is carogenic in experimental animals (rats hamsters gerbils mice and monkey.Vaccines which target S. mutans are being developed to prevent caries formation [1].
Prevalence and Source:
Commonly detected on human teeth in supragingival plaque and usually associated with caries. Has been isolated from human feces.
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References:
[1] Hardie JM. Genus Streptococcus. Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology 1986; Vol. 2, pp. 1043-1063.
[2] van Ruyven FO, Lingström P, van Houte J, Kent R. Relationship among mutans streptococci, 'low-pH' bacteria, and lodophilic polysaccharide-producing bacteria in dental plaque and early enamel caries in humans. J Dent Res.2000 Feb;79(2):778-84
[3] Nakano K, Inaba H, Nomura R, Nemoto H, Takeda M, Yoshioka H, Matsue H, Takahashi T, Taniguchi K, Amano A, Ooshima T. Detection of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans in extirpated heart valve and atheromatous plaque specimens. J Clin Microbiol.2006 Sep;44(9):3313-7
[4] Taubman MA, Nash DA. The scientific and public-health imperative for a vaccine against dental caries. Nat Rev Immunol.2006 Jul;6(7):555-63
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