Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning
Published on: October 23, 2017
Tansmission, diversity and virulence factors of Sreptococcus mutans genotypes
Marcelo Henrique Napimoga1, Jose Francisco Höfling, Marlise Inez Klein
1Department of Oral Diagnostics, Faculty of Dentistry of Piracicaba, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Dental caries is an infectious and transmissible disease, in which many genetic, environmental and behavioral risk factors interact. The mutans streptococci (MS), mainly Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the microorganisms most strongly associated with this disease. The main virulence factors associated with MS cariogenicity include adhesion, acidogenicity and acid tolerance. These properties work together to modify the physico-chemical properties of the biofilm, resulting in ecological changes in the form of increased proportions of S. mutans and other acidogenic and aciduric species. In addition, reports of higher numbers of S. mutans genotypes with increased virulence in caries-active subjects suggest the importance of microenvironmental factors in increasing the risk of caries. This review focuses on the transmission and establishment of different genotypes of S. mutans and the role they play in the development of dental caries.
Related Concept Videos
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Conjugation
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Transduction
