Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Horizontal transmission of Streptococcus mutans in schoolchildren
Pilar Baca1, Ana-M Castillo, M-Julia Liébana
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, University of Granada, Spain. pbaca@ugr.es
Objective:
The aim of this study was to analyze possible horizontal transmission patterns of S. mutans among 6-7-yr-old schoolchildren from the same class, identifying genotypes and their diversity and relationship with caries disease status.
Study Design:
Caries indexes and saliva mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts were recorded in 42 schoolchildren. Mutans streptococci colonies were identified by means of biochemical tests and all S. mutans strains were genotyped by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction. A child was considered free of S. mutans when it could not be isolated in 3 samples at 1-week intervals.
Results:
S. mutans was isolated in 30 schoolchildren: 20 having one genotype and 10 two genotypes. Higher mutans streptococci and caries index values were found in those with two genotypes. Five genotypes were isolated in more than 1 schoolchild and one of these was isolated in 3 schoolchildren. Our results suggest that horizontal transmission may take place.
Conclusion:
Schoolchildren aged 6-7 yrs may be the source of mutual transmission of S. mutans.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

