Related Experiment Videos
Longitudinal study of intrafamilial mutans streptococci ribotypes.
Birgitta Köhler1, Ann-Britt Lundberg, Dowen Birkhed
1Public Dental Service, Göteborg, Faculty of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. kohler@odontologi.gu.se
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|September 17, 2003
Summary
Mutans streptococci transfer within families, with early acquired strains persisting into adulthood. Genomic fingerprinting revealed shared strains and long-term colonization in children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Oral Health
Background:
- Mutans streptococci are key pathogens in dental caries.
- Understanding their transmission and persistence is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intrafamilial transmission and long-term stability of mutans streptococci colonization.
- To determine if early acquired strains persist into young adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Genomic fingerprinting of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus strains from 16 families.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion (HindIII), Southern blotting, and 16S rDNA probe hybridization.
- Analysis of ribotypes for intrafamilial homology and longitudinal stability.
Main Results:
- Identified 1-5 ribotypes per person and 2-9 per family.
- Demonstrated intrafamilial homology in 14/16 mother-child pairs and 6/7 father-child pairs.
- Observed persistence of at least one ribotype in 10/13 children for up to 16 years.
Conclusions:
- Results support intrafamilial transfer of mutans streptococci.
- Early acquired mutans streptococci strains can persist into young adulthood, highlighting potential for long-term colonization.