Distribution of putative virulence genes in Streptococcus mutans strains does not correlate with caries experience.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans, a member of the human oral flora, is a widely recognized etiological agent of dental caries. The cariogenic potential of S. mutans is related to its ability to metabolize a wide variety of sugars, form a robust biofilm, produce copious amounts of lactic acid, and thrive in the acid environment that it generates. The remarkable genetic variability present within the species is reflected at the phenotypic level, notably in the differences in the cariogenic potential between strains. However, the genetic basis of these differences is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we surveyed by PCR and DNA hybridization the distribution of putative virulence genes, genomic islands, and insertion sequences across a collection of 33 strains isolated from either children with severe

SUBMITTER: Argimon S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3067729 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature