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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
Virulence of Streptococcus mutans: An intrafamilial cohort study on transmission of genotypes
Ana-Lídia-Soares Cota1, Valter Silva1, Salete-Moura-Bonifácio da Silva2
1Postgraduate Program in Society, Technology and Public Policy (SOTEPP), Centro Universitário Tiradentes (UNIT/AL), Maceió (AL), Brazil.
Background:
The main aims of this cohort study were to measure the intrafamilial risk of transmission, sharing and stability of the most virulent S. mutans genotypes.
Material And Methods:
A total of 392 clinical isolates of S. mutans obtained from caries-active adults and genotyped to evaluate their transmissibility over time. After extraction of the chromosomal DNA, PCR were performed to detect the genes involved in the production of GbpA (gbpA) and mutacin types I, II, III and IV (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV).
Results:
The gbpA, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV genes were detected in 77.3, 12.5, 51, 16.6 and 89.8% of S. mutans isolates, respectively. The virulence of S. mutans was associated with its transmission (P< 0.01) and stability (P = 0.01), with the most virulent genotypes having higher transmissibility (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.32) and higher stability in the oral cavity (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.19).
Conclusions:
Genotypes with the genetic information to synthesize GbpA and mutacins present an important ecological advantage in the process of colonization by S. mutans; they remain stable among the oral microbiota of the host and favor intrafamilial transmission. Key words:Streptococcus mutans, virulence factors, transmission, dental caries.
Insights
Highly virulent Streptococcus mutans genotypes are more transmissible and stable in the oral cavity, favoring spread within families. These findings highlight the role of specific virulence factors in dental caries transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen in dental caries.
- Understanding transmission dynamics and virulence factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intrafamilial risk of transmission, sharing, and stability of virulent Streptococcus mutans genotypes.
- To identify specific virulence genes associated with S. mutans transmission and stability.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 392 caries-active adults.
- Genotyping of S. mutans isolates to detect genes for GbpA and mutacins (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII, mutAIV).
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for gene detection.
Main Results:
- Genes gbpA, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII, and mutAIV were found in 77.3%, 12.5%, 51%, 16.6%, and 89.8% of isolates, respectively.
- Higher virulence in S. mutans was significantly associated with increased transmissibility (P<0.01) and stability (P=0.01).
- Virulent genotypes showed higher transmissibility (RR=1.83) and stability (RR=1.52) in the oral cavity.
Conclusions:
- Genotypes possessing genes for GbpA and mutacin synthesis confer an ecological advantage for S. mutans colonization.
- These virulent genotypes demonstrate stability within the oral microbiota and promote intrafamilial transmission.
- Key virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans play a significant role in dental caries transmission and persistence.
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