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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
HIV infection affects Streptococcus mutans levels, but not genotypes.
1Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 E. 24 Street, New York, NY 10010-4086, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|July 24, 2012
Summary
HIV infection significantly increases Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) colonization in the mouth. This study found higher S. mutans levels in HIV-positive individuals, linked to CD8+ T-cell counts, but not viral load.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- HIV infection can impact oral health.
- Streptococcus mutans is a key bacterium in dental caries.
- The relationship between HIV and S. mutans colonization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) colonization levels and genotypes in the oral cavity.
- To analyze the correlation between S. mutans levels and clinical parameters in HIV-infected individuals, including viral load, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts, and salivary flow rate.
- To assess the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on S. mutans colonization in HIV-positive patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical study comparing S. mutans colonization in HIV-seropositive (n=46) and HIV-seronegative (n=69) individuals.
- Conventional culture methods used to determine S. mutans levels in stimulated saliva samples.
- S. mutans genotyping performed on samples from 10 HIV-positive and 10 control individuals before and after HAART.
Main Results:
- S. mutans levels were significantly higher in HIV-infected individuals compared to controls (p = 0.013).
- A positive linear relationship was observed between S. mutans levels and CD8+ T-cell counts (r = 0.412; p = 0.007).
- HIV-infected individuals exhibited reduced salivary secretion (p = 0.009) and a trend towards increased decayed tooth surfaces (p = 0.027).
- No significant differences in S. mutans genotypes were detected between groups or over time, even after HAART.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is associated with increased S. mutans colonization in the oral cavity.
- The level of S. mutans colonization is influenced by CD8+ T-cell counts in HIV-infected individuals.
- HIV infection negatively affects salivary flow and may increase caries risk, although S. mutans genotypes remain stable.
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