Modulatory effects of Streptococcus mutans on human neutrophil adherence and deoxyglucose uptake

Suppression of human neutrophil adherence and deoxyglucose uptake was observed after direct interaction between neutrophils and serotype c of Streptococcus mutans, but not other serotypes. Since neutrophils comprise more than 95% of leukocytes in gingival crevicular fluid and constitute one of the first lines of defense in the oral cavity, the capacity of S. mutans serotype c to suppress neutrophil activation may explain its predominance over other serotypes, and its greater propensity for colonization of the oral cavity.