Distribution of S. mutans and S. sorbinus in Caries Active and Caries Free Children by PCR Approach

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sorbinus (S. sorbinus) have been considered to be the most important micro-organisms associated with dental caries. Therefore, purpose of this study is to detect and correlate the presence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in the dental plaque of caries free and caries active children, by using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Materials and Methods:Twenty patients aged between ages 4-8 years were included in the study. The subjects were divided in two groups: Group A consisting of ten children with early childhood caries and Group B consisting of ten caries-free children. Dental examinations were performed using a plane dental mirror and explorer. Plaque sample was collected from the cervical margin of the teeth by using explorer. PCR testing was performed for S. mutans and S. sorbinus. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software. The caries score data was analyzed among groups by applying Fischer's exact test. The P value <0.05 was considered as significant.Results: S. mutans was present in all patients, whether they were caries active or caries free. There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of S. sorbinus in caries active patients as compared to caries free patients. It was also noticed that S. sorbinus was found more in male patients as compared to females, the difference being statistically non-significant. Conclusion:Children harbouring both S. mutans and S. sorbinus had a higher incidence of dental caries as compared to the presence of either organism alone.Among the oral bacteria, Mutans streptococci have been implicated as a major cariogenic bacteria. The degree of colonization of these organisms correlates with the prevalence of dental caries in children and experimental animals.Mutans streptococci is divided into seven species: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus downei, Streptococcus rattus, Streptococcus cricetus, Streptococcus ferus, and Streptococcus macacae. Among these S. mutans and S. sobrinus are strongly associated with human dental caries [6]. Epidemiological studies have reported that S. mutans is more prevalent than S. sorbinus in the oral cavity, but have also shown that the prevalence of S. sorbinus is more closely associated with a high caries experience [7].Molecular methods for bacterial identification and enumeration now make it more precise to study the microbiota associated with caries. DNA sequence-based assays can be used to identify closely related species that are difficult to differentiate by traditional, culturebased approaches [8]. Various methods have been used for detection, including biochemical tests, immunological tests, DNA probes, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Among these, the PCR method is currently being applied to the detection of putative pathogens and the identification of human cariogenic bacteria because it is rapid, sensitive, and simple.The purpose of this study is to detect and correlate the presence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in...

Are the mutans streptococci still considered relevant to understanding the microbial etiology of dental caries?

“…There are intriguing aspects of caries etiology that have not been adequately explored. One of those is potential synergy between S. mutans and S. sobrinus as caries experience tends to be worse when both are isolated from carious lesions [ 54 – 56 ]. Another is the contribution of non-MS low pH streptococci which may be among primary plaque colonizers, numerically dominant to the MS (potentially addressing the concern about proportional representation of the MS) and able to set the stage for the ascension of stronger cariogens [ 8 , 57 ].…”

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of GIC Containing Chlorhexidine and Miswak on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in Early Childhood Caries Children: A PCR Study

“… 4 , 16 Although the etiology of ECC is multifactorial, S. mutans and S. sobrinus play a key role. 3 Children with ECC were included in the current study, as the acquisition of MS has been found to be more common during the window period that occurs around the age of 26 months. 7 Thus for a thorough caries prediction and its subsequent treatment, detection of the presence of MS in early years is important.…”

“…Many studies have been conducted to understand the association between caries activity and microorganisms, the results of which have revealed children with elevated counts of S. mutans and S. sobrinus have a higher incidence of dental caries. 3 , 5 , 6 , 17 …”

“…1 It is an international public health challenge, especially among infants and toddlers, and is known as early childhood caries. 2 , 3 The disease of ECC is the presence of 1 or more decayed (cavitated or non-cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child who is 71 months of age or younger. 4 …”

Streptococcus Mutans and its Influence on Dental Status

“…Některých studií se účastnily výhradně děti a ve výsledcích bylo poukázáno na fakt, že jedinci, kteří mají v ústech přítomny bakterie rodu Streptococcus mutans, mají také větší počet aktivně probíhajících kariézních lézí. Ke zhodnocení stavu chrupu bylo využito klinického vyšetření a v indikovaných případech také rentgenových snímků [14]. Samotné testování přímo pomocí sady GC Saliva-Check Mutans (GC Europe, Leuven N. V., Belgie) bylo zahrnuto zatím jen v několika málo studiích, které však potvrdily vhodnost jednoduchého testu pro určení zvýšené Cílem naší studie bylo prokázat vliv bakterie Streptococcus mutans na stav chrupu u dvou skupin pacientů, a to u mladých dospělých s relativně sanovaným chrupem a u starších pacientů s částečnými snímatelnými náhradami.…”