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Genetic studies on reference strains of mutans streptococci
Fusao Ota1, Masayuki Yamato, Mie Hayashi
1Department of Food Microbiology, The University of Tokushima, 18-15, 3-chome, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan. ota@nutr.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp
Microbiological Research
|December 28, 2002
Summary
DNA analysis reveals Streptococcus mutans is genetically diverse across different serotypes. Other mutans streptococci, like Streptococcus cricetus, show more uniform genetic patterns, supporting S. mutans
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The mutans streptococci group includes several species known for their role in dental caries.
- Previous studies indicated heterogeneity within Streptococcus mutans at various levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize reference strains of mutans streptococci using DNA fragment patterns.
- To compare the genetic diversity among different species and serotypes within the mutans streptococci group.
Main Methods:
- Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was extracted from 24 reference strains (serotypes a-h) of mutans streptococci.
- DNA was digested with the restriction enzyme Hind III.
- DNA fragment patterns were analyzed to assess genetic relatedness.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus cricetus (serotype a), Streptococcus rattus (serotype b), and Streptococcus downei (serotype h) exhibited homogeneous DNA fragment patterns.
- Streptococcus mutans (serotypes c, e, and f) displayed significant heterogeneity, with variations both between and within serotypes.
- Streptococcus sobrinus showed intermediate genetic diversity.
Conclusions:
- The genetic data strongly support the heterogeneity of Streptococcus mutans at the genetic level.
- Distinct genetic profiles were observed among different species and serotypes of mutans streptococci.
- Ribosomal DNA fingerprinting with Hind III is a useful method for differentiating and assessing diversity within the mutans streptococci group.