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Current classification of the oral streptococci.
1Department of Oral Microbiology, St. Bartholomew's, London, England, United Kingdom.
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|March 27, 1999
Summary
This review details the challenging classification of oral streptococci, highlighting historical changes and current methods. It emphasizes a move towards a natural classification based on genotypic evidence for improved bacterial identification.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Taxonomy
- Oral Microbiology
Background:
- The classification of oral streptococci presents significant challenges in streptococcal taxonomy.
- Historical shifts in classification, identification, and nomenclature are noted.
- Advancements in techniques have driven progress towards a more natural classification system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current classification of oral streptococci into four species groups.
- To detail the historical evolution of classification, identification, and nomenclature.
- To assess current identification schemes and explore alternative molecular approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oral streptococci classification.
- Analysis of historical changes in taxonomy and nomenclature.
- Evaluation of biochemical and molecular identification methods.
Main Results:
- Oral streptococci are currently classified into four distinct species groups.
- Genotypic evidence is increasingly forming the basis for a natural classification.
- Both biochemical and molecular methods are employed for identification.
Conclusions:
- The classification of oral streptococci has evolved significantly, moving towards a more stable, genotypically based system.
- Current identification relies on a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques.
- Further research may refine the natural classification of these important oral bacteria.