Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
Published on: January 26, 2011
Prevalence of mutans streptococci in 93 members from six Brazilian families
F C Pimenta1, J M Marin, M de Uzeda
1Federal University of Goiás.
Abstract:
Several studies report that mutans streptococci (MS) are closely associated with caries in humans and that there is a correlation between the number of carious lesions and the levels of MS in the saliva of children and adults. The presence of MS in the saliva of 93 members of six Brazilian families with at least 3 generations was investigated. Samples of whole unstimulated saliva were collected and diluted. Aliquots of 50 microliters of each suspension were dropped onto SB20 agar and incubated in a candle jar at 37 degrees C for 72 h. Colonies resembling MS were counted, collected, seeded in thioglycoilate medium and subjected to biochemical typing. Mutans streptococci were isolated from 80 subjects (86.0%) and the counts ranged from 3.0 x 10(2) (log 2.477) to 1.6 x 10(8) (log 8.204) CFU/ml of saliva. All of the 73 adults were colonized by MS, but the bacteria were detected in only 7 (35.0%) of the 20 children evaluated. Streptococcus mutans occurred in 78 subjects (97.5%), and 51 (63.7%) were monocolonized. S. sobrinus occurred in 29 individuals (36.3%) and 2 (2.5%) were monocolonized. Twenty-seven (33.8%) subjects were multicolonized with S. mutans and S. sobrinus. This study showed a high prevalence (86.0%) of mutans streptococci in the saliva of members of the studied families, which suggests the risk of intrafamilial transmission.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Verrucomicrobiota
The Skin Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

