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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
09:51

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Published on: September 14, 2019

Detection of mutA genes in transmitted strains and nontransmitted strains of mutans streptococci

S Li1, T Liu, X Xiao

  • 1Department of Endodontics, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Caries Research
|August 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mutans streptococci isolates carrying the mutacin A1 (mutAI) gene were not transmitted from mother to child. This suggests the mutAI gene may reduce transmission of these bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Oral Health

Background:

  • Mutans streptococci are key pathogens in dental caries.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for prevention.
  • The role of specific genes, like mutA, in transmission is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between mutA genes and mother-to-child transmission of mutans streptococci.
  • To determine if specific mutA gene variants influence transmission patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of 200 mutans streptococci isolates from 20 mother-child pairs using arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR).
  • Screening for mutacin structural genes (mutA encoding mutacin types I, II, and III) via PCR.

Main Results:

  • All isolates carrying the mutacin A1 (mutAI) gene were identified as non-transmitted strains.
  • PCR screening for mutacin A2 (mutAII) and mutacin A3 (mutAIII) genes did not yield positive results in any tested strains.
  • The mutAI gene appears to be associated with reduced bacterial transmission.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of the mutAI gene in mutans streptococci is linked to a lower likelihood of mother-to-child transmission.
  • The low detection rates of mutAII and mutAIII indicate significant genetic diversity in mutacin production pathways.

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