Effect of csn2 gene deficiency on the starvation tolerance and the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides in oligotrophic environment of Streptococcus mutans / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of csn2 gene deficiency on starvation tolerance and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis in an oligotrophic environment of Streptococcus mutans (Sm). Methods: The csn2 gene deletion strains and complementary strains of Sm were cultivated and then an oligotrophic growth environment for Sm growth by setting different concentration gradient media were created. Cell growth in oligotrophic environment was detected by growth curve. Biofilm volume was measured by crystalline violet staining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser confocal microscope were performed to observe the biofilm structure of Sm. The synthesis of EPS was measured by the anthrone-sulfuric acid method. The expression of genes related to EPS synthesis was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The growth curve results showed that the deletion of csn2 gene inhibited the growth of Sm under starvation stress. Furthermore, the results of laser confocal microscope showed that the biofilm EPS/bacteria ratios produced by the wild-type strain, csn2 gene-deficient strain and complement strains under nutrient sufficient culture conditions were 0.44±0.07, 1.05±0.13 and 0.57±0.08 respectively, while the ratios of EPS/bacteria in an oligotrophic environment were 0.93±0.24, 3.05±0.21 and 1.32±0.46 respectively, indicating that the deletion of csn2 gene enhanced the ability of extracellular polysaccharide synthesis of Sm in the oligotrophic environment. The expression levels of EPS synthesis-related genes gtfB and gtfC were up-regulated by 2.5 fold and 1.8 fold respectively and the expression level of gtfD was down-regulated by two-thirds. Conclusions: The csn2 gene deficiency showed multiple effects on the physiological functions and virulence characteristics of Sm, including starvation tolerance and EPS synthesis. These changes might be related to the shift of the complex regulative network caused by csn2 gene deletion.

The vicK gene of Streptococcus mutans mediates its cariogenicity via exopolysaccharides metabolism / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally regarded as a major contributor to dental caries because of its ability to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that aid in the formation of plaque biofilm. The VicRKX system of S. mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vicK gene on specific characteristics of EPS in S. mutans biofilm. We constructed single-species biofilms formed by different mutants of vicK gene. Production and distribution of EPS were detected through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microcosmic structures of EPS were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cariogenicity of the vicK mutant was assessed in a specific pathogen-free rat model. Transcriptional levels of cariogenicity-associated genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that deletion of vicK gene suppressed biofilm formation as well as EPS production, and EPS were synthesized mostly around the cells. Molecular weight and monosaccharide components underwent evident alterations. Biofilms formed in vivo were sparse and contributed a decreased degree of caries. Moreover, expressional levels of genes related to EPS synthesis were down-regulated, except for gtfB. Our report demonstrates that vicK gene enhances biofilm formation and subsequent caries development. And this may due to its regulations on EPS metabolism, like synthesis or microcosmic features of EPS. This study suggests that vicK gene and EPS can be considered as promising targets to modulate dental caries.

Caries and genetic variability of streptococcus mutans / Caries y variabilidad genética de streptococcus mutans

In the last two decades, the increase in population genetics studies has contributed to elucidating important questions about the evolution of the pathogenesis of bacteria of clinical interest. The objective of this study is to revise and update the knowledge of the last fifteen years regarding the genetic variability of Streptococcus mutans and their association with dental caries. Streptococcus mutans, one of the most widely distributed bacteria in the world, are heavily associated with this condition. This research shows the results of numerous studies carried out in various countries that, using molecular and biochemical methods, revealed associations between different serotypes and caries activity. In addition, it is reported that the population genetics structure of Streptococcus mutans in Argentina is highly recombinant, which reflects the largest waves of human immigration that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries. On the other hand, demographic analysis suggests that these bacteria experienced a population expansion that coincided with the beginning of agricultural development.

En las últimas dos décadas el incremento de los estudios de genética de poblaciones ha contribuido a dilucidar cuestiones importantes sobre la evolución de la patogénesis de bacterias de interés clínico. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una actualización sobre los conocimientos de los últimos quince años referidos a la variabilidad genética de Streptococcus mutans y su relación con la caries dental. Streptococcus mutans, de amplia distribución mundial, es una de las bacterias más fuertemente asociada a dicha enfermedad. En este trabajo se muestran resultados de numerosos estudios realizados en diferentes países que utilizando métodos moleculares y bioquímicos revelaron asociaciones entre diferentes serotipos y la actividad de caries. Además, se reporta que la estructura genética poblacional de Streptococcus mutans de Argentina es de alto nivel recombinante, lo que reflejaría las grandes oleadas inmigratorias humanas ocurridas en los siglos 19thy 20th. Por otra parte, los análisis demográficos sugieren que esta bacteria experimentó una expansión poblacional coincidente con el comienzo del desarrollo de la agricultura

Efecto Antibacteriano de la Infusión de Orégano ( Origanum vulgare ) sobre el Crecimiento in Vitro de Streptococcus mutans, 2015 / Antibacterial Effect of Oregano Infusion ( Origanum vulgare ) on in Vitro Growth of Streptococcus mutans, 2015

RESUMEN: El Streptococcus mutans es una de las principales bacterias que participa en el desarrollo de la caries dental, una enfermedad de alta prevalencia en la población mundial, y por ende un problema de salud pública. Hoy se intentan buscar alternativas para su prevención, una de ellas es la fitoterapia o uso de plantas medicinales con fines terapéutico beneficiosos para la salud. Evaluar efecto antibacteriano del Origanum vulgare a diferentes concentraciones sobre el crecimiento in vitro de Streptococcus mutans. Se utilizaron cepas bacterianas de Streptococcus mutans previamente aisladas, se realizó una siembra bacteriana en 24 placas Petri con agar mitis salivarius. Se prepararon infusiones de orégano a 8 concentraciones diferentes (1 %, 5 % y 10 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % y 100 %) y se aplicaron en perforaciones realizadas previamente en las placas de agar (4 perforaciones por placa para las infusiones de orégano y 2 para las placas de controles). Se llevó a incubadora por 48 horas y posteriormente se realizó la medición de los halos de inhibición. Los resultados fueron negativos para las infusiones de orégano al 1 %, 5 % y 10 %, debido a que no presentaron halos de inhibición bacteriana; mientras que para las infusiones al 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % y 100 % los resultados fueron positivos. El orégano posee efecto antibacteriano sobre el crecimiento de Streptococcus mutans en infusiones sobre el 20 % de concentración, siendo la solución madre preparada a partir de 20 gramos de hojas secas de orégano (Origanum vulgare) y 200 ml de agua destilada hervida. Este efecto es antibacteriano es directamente proporcional a la concentración de la infusión. El orégano podría ser utilizado como una alternativa de colutorio, pasta dental u otros coadyuvantes de higiene bucal para prevenir la aparición de caries.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans is one of the main bacteria in the development of dental caries, a disease with high prevalence in the world population, and therefore a public health problem. There is current research to find prevention alternatives one of these is the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes beneficial to health. To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Origanum vulgare at different concentrations on in vitro growth of Streptococcus mutans, previously isolated bacterial strains of Streptococcus mutans were used. Bacterial seeding was carried out in 24 petri dishes with agar Mitis salivarius. Oregano infusions were prepared at 8 different concentrations (1 %, 5 % and 10 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 %) and applied in predrilled holes in the agar plates (4 perforations per plate for the oregano infusions and 2 for control plates). They were maintained in an incubator for 48 hours and measurement of the inhibition zones was subsequently carried out. The results were negative for infusions of oregano at 1 %, 5 % and 10 %, as they did not present halos of bacterial inhibition; while results were positive for infusions at 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 %. Results show that oregano has an antibacterial effect on the growth of Streptococcus mutans in infusion concentrations above 20 %, with the basic solution prepared from 20 g of dried oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare) and 200 ml of boiled distilled water. This antibacterial effect is directly proportional to the concentration of the infusion. Oregano could be used as an alternative mouthwash, toothpaste or other oral hygiene adjuvants to prevent the incidence of caries.

Influence of Helicobacter pylori culture supernatant on the ecological balance of a dual-species oral biofilm

Abstract Dental caries is a chronic progressive disease occurring in the tooth hard tissue due to multiple factors, in which bacteria are the initial cause. Both Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis are main members of oral biofilm. Helicobacter pylori may also be detected in dental plaque, playing an important role in the development of dental caries. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of H. pylori culture supernatant on S. mutans and S. sanguinis dual-species biofilm and to evaluate its potential ability on affecting dental health. Material and methods The effect of H. pylori supernatant on single-species and dual-species biofilm was measured by colony forming units counting and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, respectively. The effect of H. pylori supernatant on S. mutans and S. sanguinis extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) production was measured by both confocal laser scanning microscopy observation and anthrone-sulfuric acid method. The effect of H. pylori supernatant on S. mutans gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Results H. pylori supernatant could inhibit both S. mutans and S. sanguinis biofilm formation and EPS production. S. sanguinis inhibition rate was significantly higher than that of S. mutans. Finally, S. mutans bacteriocin and acidogenicity related genes expression were affected by H. pylori culture supernatant. Conclusion Our results showed that H. pylori could destroy the balance between S. mutans and S. sanguinis in oral biofilm, creating an advantageous environment for S. mutans, which became the dominant bacteria, promoting the formation and development of dental caries.

Using molecular markers to assess Streptococcus mutans variability and the biological risk for caries

AIM: To characterize the genetic variability of Streptococcus mutans isolates and to correlate this variability with different colonization profiles observed during dental caries in a sample of children. METHODS: S. mutans samples were isolated from the saliva of 30 children with varying histories of dental caries, and they were characterized according to morphological and biochemical markers and the sequences of their 16S-23S intergenic spacer region. The genetic variability of the isolates was first assessed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Next, the isolates were differentiated by sequencing a specific region of the gene encoding the enzyme glucosyltransferase B (gtfB). RESULTS: Characterization using RAPD markers uncovered significant genetic variability among the samples and indicated the existence of clusters, which allowed us to reconstruct both the origin and clinical history of the disease. By sequencing the 16S-23S intergenic region, it was found that all of the isolates belonged to the species S. mutans. Based on the genetic similarity of the isolates and pattern of amino acid variations identified by partial sequencing of the gtfB gene, base-pair changes were identified and correlated with different virulence patterns among the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The partial sequencing of the gtfB gene can be a useful tool for elucidating the colonization patterns of S. mutans. As amino acid variations are likely to be correlated with differences in biological risk, molecular characterization, such as that described in this paper, could be the key for assessing the development of dental caries in children...

Presencia de genes de virulencia gtfB y spaP en Streptococcus mutans aislados desde saliva y su relación con el índice COPD y ceod / gtfB and spaP virulence genes in Streptococcus mutans strains and their relationship with the DMFT index

OBJETIVO: El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de genes de virulencia en cepas de Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) aisladas desde saliva de individuos de diferentes edades y asociarlas con el índice COPD y ceod según corresponda. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: A partir de un total de 120 individuos de ambos sexos, se conformaron 4 grupos de 30 personas, que se separaron de acuerdo con los siguientes rangos etarios: 3-5, 6-9, 12-15 y mayores de 18 años. A cada individuo se le determinó el índice COPD y ceod según correspondiera y se realizó recuento salival de S. mutans. La detección de los genes de virulencia: gtfB y spaP se realizó por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa convencional. RESULTADOS: Se estableció una asociación positiva entre el recuento bacteriano e índice COPD y ceod. El 100% de las cepas aisladas evidenciaron la presencia del gen gtfB y el 63,6% presentaron el gen spaP. No hubo evidencia estadísticamente significativa que relacionará un alto recuento bacteriano e índice COPD y ceod con la mayor presencia de genes que codifican factores de virulencia en cepas de S. mutans

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of gtfB and spaP virulence genes in Streptococcus mutans strains isolated from saliva taken from individuals of different ages. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 120 individuals of both sexes were studied. They were assigned to one of 4 groups, with 30 individuals in each one, according to age; 3-5, 6-9, 12-15, and older than 18 years old. DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) and DMFT indexes were determined in each participant, depending on his/her age. S. mutans microbial counts were performed. The gtfB and spaP virulence genes were detected using conventional PCR. RESULTS: A positive association was found between microbial count and DMFT and DMFT indexes. All the isolated strains demonstrated the presence of gtfB, and 63.6% of the strains had spaP genes. No association was found between high bacterial counts or DMFT and DMFT indexes with the presence of genes that code for virulence factors in S. mutans strains

Fatores de virulência de Streptococcus mutans e sua relação com a persistência e transmissão de genótipos entre membros de famílias brasileiras / Virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans and its relation to the persistence and transmission of genotypes among Brazilian family members

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) é considerado o principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária e estudos acerca de sua virulência têm sido realizados com o intuito de compreender melhor os mecanismos de patogenia da doença. Dentre outros fatores, a virulência dessa espécie bacteriana está relacionada a sua habilidade em produzir proteína ligante de glucano tipo A (GbpA) e mutacinas, proteínas que desempenham importante papel na adesão celular e colonização da superfície dentária. Desta forma, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi analisar, geneticamente, esses fatores de virulência de S. mutans e verificar sua relação com a persistência e transmissão de genótipos entre os membros de oito famílias brasileiras. Foram utilizados 392 isolados clínicos de S. mutans obtidos a partir da saliva de 20 indivíduos adultos cárie-ativos. Os microrganismos foram previamente identificados e genotipados em um estudo anterior que avaliou sua transmissibilidade e estabilidade ao longo do tempo. As amostras estocadas a -86°C foram reativadas por semeadura em diferentes meios de cultura (ágar sangue e ágar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracina Sacarose) e repicadas em caldo de Infusão de Cérebro e Coração. Após extração do DNA cromossômico bacteriano foram realizadas análises genético-moleculares, por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase, visando a detecção nas amostras dos genes envolvidos na produção de GbpA (gbpA) e codificadores dos tipos I, II, III e IV de mutacinas (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII e mutAIV). Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio das estatísticas descritiva e inferencial, utilizando-se os testes de Qui Quadrado, Odds Ratio (OR) e exato de Fisher, a um intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5%. Os genes gbpa, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII e mutAIV foram detectados, respectivamente, em 77,3%, 12,5%, 51%, 16,6% e 89,8% dos isolados de S. mutans considerados viáveis (N=392). A virulência do S. mutans apresentou associação com sua...

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main etiologic agent in the development of dental caries and several studies about its virulence have been conducted to understand the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Among other factors, the virulence of this bacterial species is based on their ability to produce glucan-binding protein-A (GbpA) and mutacins, proteins that play an important role in cell adhesion and colonization of the dental surface. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze, genetically, these virulence factors of S. mutans and to investigate their relation with the persistence and transmission of genotypes among the members from eight Brazilian families. A total of 392 clinical isolates of S. mutans, collected from 20 caries-active adults, were utilized. These microorganisms were previously identified and genotyped in a study that evaluated their transmissibility and stability over time. The samples stored at -86°C were plated on different culture media (blood agar and Mitis Salivarius Sucrose Bacitracin agar) and grown in Brain Heart Infusion broth. After extraction of bacterial chromosomal DNA, the samples were amplified, by the technique of polymerase chain reaction, for the presence of genes coding for GbpA (gbpA) and for mutacins types I, II, III and IV (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV). Data obtained were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, using the Chi-Square, Odds Ratio (OR) and Fisher's exact tests, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5%. The gbpa, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV genes were detected, respectively, in 77.3%, 12.5%, 51%, 16.6% and 89.8% of viable clinical isolates (N=392). The virulence of S. mutans was associated with the transmission (P<0,001) and stability of colonization (P=0.011). The most virulent genotypes showed approximately three times more likely to be transmitted (OR=3.07; 95%CI 2.02 - 4.66) and approximately two times more likely to...

Fatores de virulência de Streptococcus mutans e sua relação com a persistência e transmissão de genótipos entre membros de famílias brasileiras / Virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans and its relation to the persistence and transmission of genotypes among Brazilian family members

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) é considerado o principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária e estudos acerca de sua virulência têm sido realizados com o intuito de compreender melhor os mecanismos de patogenia da doença. Dentre outros fatores, a virulência dessa espécie bacteriana está relacionada a sua habilidade em produzir proteína ligante de glucano tipo A (GbpA) e mutacinas, proteínas que desempenham importante papel na adesão celular e colonização da superfície dentária. Desta forma, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi analisar, geneticamente, esses fatores de virulência de S. mutans e verificar sua relação com a persistência e transmissão de genótipos entre os membros de oito famílias brasileiras. Foram utilizados 392 isolados clínicos de S. mutans obtidos a partir da saliva de 20 indivíduos adultos cárie-ativos. Os microrganismos foram previamente identificados e genotipados em um estudo anterior que avaliou sua transmissibilidade e estabilidade ao longo do tempo. As amostras estocadas a -86°C foram reativadas por semeadura em diferentes meios de cultura (ágar sangue e ágar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracina Sacarose) e repicadas em caldo de Infusão de Cérebro e Coração. Após extração do DNA cromossômico bacteriano foram realizadas análises genético-moleculares, por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase, visando a detecção nas amostras dos genes envolvidos na produção de GbpA (gbpA) e codificadores dos tipos I, II, III e IV de mutacinas (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII e mutAIV). Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio das estatísticas descritiva e inferencial, utilizando-se os testes de Qui Quadrado, Odds Ratio (OR) e exato de Fisher, a um intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5%. Os genes gbpa, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII e mutAIV foram detectados, respectivamente, em 77,3%, 12,5%, 51%, 16,6% e 89,8% dos isolados de S. mutans considerados viáveis (N=392). A virulência do S. mutans apresentou associação com sua...

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main etiologic agent in the development of dental caries and several studies about its virulence have been conducted to understand the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Among other factors, the virulence of this bacterial species is based on their ability to produce glucan-binding protein-A (GbpA) and mutacins, proteins that play an important role in cell adhesion and colonization of the dental surface. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze, genetically, these virulence factors of S. mutans and to investigate their relation with the persistence and transmission of genotypes among the members from eight Brazilian families. A total of 392 clinical isolates of S. mutans, collected from 20 caries-active adults, were utilized. These microorganisms were previously identified and genotyped in a study that evaluated their transmissibility and stability over time. The samples stored at -86°C were plated on different culture media (blood agar and Mitis Salivarius Sucrose Bacitracin agar) and grown in Brain Heart Infusion broth. After extraction of bacterial chromosomal DNA, the samples were amplified, by the technique of polymerase chain reaction, for the presence of genes coding for GbpA (gbpA) and for mutacins types I, II, III and IV (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV). Data obtained were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, using the Chi-Square, Odds Ratio (OR) and Fisher's exact tests, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5%. The gbpa, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV genes were detected, respectively, in 77.3%, 12.5%, 51%, 16.6% and 89.8% of viable clinical isolates (N=392). The virulence of S. mutans was associated with the transmission (P<0,001) and stability of colonization (P=0.011). The most virulent genotypes showed approximately three times more likely to be transmitted (OR=3.07; 95%CI 2.02 - 4.66) and approximately two times more likely to...

Biofilms of black tooth stains: PCR analysis reveals presence of Streptococcus mutans

This study investigated the presence of the black-pigmented bacteria Prevotella nigrescens and Prevotella intermedia, the non-black-pigmented bacteria Actinomyces spp and particularly the cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans in the dental biofilms of patients with or without black extrinsic tooth stains, using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Analysis of the dental biofilms of patients with (n=26) or without (n=26) black tooth stains was performed using duplex PCR for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (P. nigrescens, P. intermedia, Actinomyces spp) and glucosyltransferase-I gene for S. mutans. P. nigrescens and S. mutans were the most frequent bacteria detected in both groups. The least frequently detected were P. intermedia and Actinomyces spp. The similar bacterial composition of dental biofilms of black tooth stains and healthy tooth surfaces indicates that black tooth stains are not free of cariogenic bacteria.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença das bactérias pigmentadoras de negro Prevotella nigrescens e Prevotella intermedia, da não pigmentadora de negro Actinomyces spp e particularmente a bactéria cariogênica Streptococcus mutans, no biofilme dentário de pacientes com ou sem manchas dentárias extrínsecas negras, utilizando a técnica multiplex PCR (reação em cadeia da polimerase). Análises do biofilme dentário de pacientes com manchas (n=26) e sem manchas (n=26) foram realizadas utilizando a multiplex PCR para o gene 16S RNA ribosomal (P. nigrescens, P. intermedia, Actinomyces spp) e o gene glucosiltransferase-I para S. mutans. P. nigrescens e S. mutans foram as bactérias mais frequentemente detectadas em ambos os grupos. As menos frequentemente detectadas foram P. intermedia e Actinomyces spp. A similaridade entre a composição bacteriana dos biofilmes dentários das manchas dentárias extrínsecas negras e das superfícies dentárias sem manchas indicam que as manchas dentárias extrínsecas negras não estão livres de bactérias cariogênicas.

The Streptococcus mutans GlnR protein exhibits an increased affinity for the glnRA operon promoter when bound to GlnK

The control of nitrogen metabolism in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria has been studied in a variety of species and is involved with the expression of virulence factors. To date, no data have been reported regarding nitrogen metabolism in the odontopathogenic species Streptococcus mutans. GlnR, which controls nitrogen assimilation in the related bacterial species, Bacillus subtilis, was assessed in S. mutans for its DNA and protein binding activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay of the S. mutans GlnR protein indicated that GlnR binds to promoter regions of the glnRA and amtB-glnK operons. Cross-linking and pull-down assays demonstrated that GlnR interacts with GlnK, a signal transduction protein that coordinates the regulation of nitrogen metabolism. Upon formation of this stable complex, GlnK enhances the affinity of GlnR for the glnRA operon promoter. These results support an involvement of GlnR in transcriptional regulation of nitrogen metabolism-related genes and indicate that GlnK relays information regarding ammonium availability to GlnR.

Streptococcus mutans GlnK protein: an unusual PII family member

Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive bacterium present in the oral cavity, and is considered to be one of the leading causes of dental caries. S. mutans has a glnK gene, which codes for a PII-like protein that is possibly involved in the integration of carbon, nitrogen and energy metabolism in several organisms. To characterize the GlnK protein of S. mutans, the glnK gene was amplified by PCR, and cloned into the expression vectors pET29a(+) and pET28b(+). The native GlnK-Sm was purified by anion exchange (Q-Sepharose) and affinity (Hi-Trap Heparin) chromatography. The GlnK-His-Sm protein was purified using a Hi-Trap Chelating-Ni2+ column. The molecular mass of the GlnK-His-Sm proteins was 85 kDa as determined by gel filtration, indicating that this protein is a hexamer in solution. The GlnK-His-Sm protein is not uridylylated by the Escherichia coli GlnD protein. The activities of the GlnK-Sm and GlnK-His-Sm proteins were assayed in E. coli constitutively expressing the Klebsiella pneumoniae nifLA operon. In K. pneumoniae, NifL inhibits NifA activity in the presence of high ammonium levels and the GlnK protein is required to reduce the inhibition of NifL in the presence of low ammonium levels. The GlnK-Sm protein was unable to reduce NifL inhibition of NifA protein. Surprisingly, the GlnK-His-Sm protein was able to partially reduce NifL inhibition of the NifA protein under nitrogen-limiting conditions, in a manner similar to the GlnK protein of E. coli. These results suggested that S. mutans GlnK is functionally different from E. coli PII proteins.

Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of S. mutans isolated from dental biofilms formed in vivo under high cariogenic conditions

The oral cavity harbors several Streptococcus mutans genotypes, which could present distinct virulence properties. However, little is known about the diversity and virulence traits of S. mutans genotypes isolated in vivo under controlled conditions of high cariogenic challenge. This study evaluated the genotypic diversity of S. mutans isolated from dental biofilms formed in vivo under sucrose exposure, as well as their acidogenicity and aciduricity. To form biofilms, subjects rinsed their mouths with distilled water or sucrose solution 8 times/day for 3 days. S. mutans collected from saliva and biofilms were genotyped by arbitrarily-primed PCR. Genotypes identified in the biofilms were evaluated regarding their ability to lower the suspension pH through glycolysis and their acid susceptibility and F-ATPase activity. Most subjects harbored only one genotype in saliva, which was detected in almost all biofilm samples at high proportions. Genotypes isolated only in the presence of sucrose had higher acidogenicity than those isolated only in the presence of water. Genotypes from biofilms formed with sucrose were more aciduric after 30 and 60 min of incubation at pH 2.8 and 5.0, respectively. The present results suggest that biofilms formed under high cariogenic conditions may harbor more aciduric and acidogenic S. mutans genotypes.

A cavidade oral apresenta vários genótipos de Streptococcus mutans, que podem possuir diferentes capacidades de virulência. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre a diversidade e virulência de genótipos de S. mutans isolados in vivo sob uma condição controlada de alto desafio cariogênico. Este estudo avaliou a diversidade genotípica de S. mutans identificados no biofilme dental formado in vivo na presença de sacarose, assim como a acidogenicidade e aciduricidade desses genótipos. Para possibilitar formação de biofilme, voluntários bochecharam com água destilada ou solução de sacarose 8x/dia durante 3 dias. S. mutans isolados da saliva e do biofilme dental foram genotipados por PCR com primers-arbitrários. Genótipos isolados do biofilme foram avaliados em relação à habilidade de reduzir o pH da suspensão devido à glicólise, em relação à susceptibilidade a ácidos e também atividade F-ATPase. A maioria dos voluntários apresentou apenas 1 genótipo na saliva, que foram detectados em quase todas as amostras de biofilme em altas proporções. Genótipos isolados somente na presença de sacarose apresentaram maior acidogenicidade do que aqueles genótipos isolados apenas na presença de água. Genótipos de biofilmes formados na presença de sacarose foram mais acidúricos após 30 e 60 min de incubação em pH 2,8 e 5,0, respectivamente. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que biofilmes formados sob condição de alto desafio cariogênico podem apresentar genótipos de S. mutans mais acidúricos e mais acidogênicos.

Genotypic profiles by AP-PCR of Streptococcus mutans in caries-active and caries-free preschoolers

Streptococcus mutans, an acidogenic and aciduric microorganism that colonizes the oral cavity is recognized as the main causal agent of dental caries. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between the number of S. mutans in the oral cavity and prevalence and incidence of caries. At present, different genotypic and phenotypic methods are known to determine the profiles of settling and epidemiological distribution of S. mutans. The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of S. mutans isolated from children with and without dental caries by using the AP-PCR (arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction) and api-Zym methods. In the AP-PCR method, random DNA segments of the target bacterium are amplified with single primers of arbitrary sequence. The api-Zym system (bioMerieux, Marcy-letoile, France) is a phenotypic micro-method that allows simultaneous detection of 19 enzymatic activities from bacterial inoculum. A transversal observational study was conducted, which finally included 120 3- to 5- year-old children (75 with and 45 without dental caries), who attended a preschool institution in Bogota (Colombia). S. mutans was isolated from 15 of the 45 children without dental caries (33.3%) and from 31 of the 75 children with caries (41.33%). In the 46 children, 69 S. mutans isolates were identified: 24 isolates in the 15 children without dental caries and 45 isolates in 31 children with dental caries. With api-Zym system, 36 different phenotypes were detected: 22 in the caries group and 15 in the caries-free group. The phenotype XX was present in both groups. With the AP-PCR method, 27 different fingerprinting profiles were identified: 22 for the caries group and 9 of the healthy group; the two groups of patients shared four of these genomic profiles. In conclusion, the information shows a great diversity in S. mutans genotypes and phenotypes in the population studied.

La caries dental es considerada una enfermedad infecciosa multifactorial que conlleva a la destruccion del tejido dental duro. Streptococcus mutans, un microorganismo acidogenico y acidurico que normalmente se encuentra colonizando la cavidad oral, es considerado el principal microorganismo asociado al desarrollo de esta enfermedad. Estudios epidemiologicos han mostrado una fuerte correlacion entre el numero de unidades formadoras de colonias de S. mutans en la cavidad oral y la prevalencia e incidencia de caries dental. El hecho de reconocer a S. mutans como el microorganismo cariogenico mas importante, ha conducido al diseno de medidas preventivas y de control tendientes a eliminarlo o reducir su presencia en la cavidad oral. En la actualidad se utilizan diferentes metodos fenotipicos y genotipicos para demostrar la heterogeneidad y variabilidad genetica de cepas S. mutans presentes en la cavidad oral. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la utilidad de la tecnica APPCR en el: 1. conocimiento del genotipo en aislamientos clinicos de S. mutans provenientes de ninos con y sin caries, y 2. en el establecimiento de diferencias en los perfiles de tipificacion en comparacion con la tecnica fenotipica Api-ZYM. En el metodo AP-PCR fragmentos del DNA de la bacteria son amplificados con primers simples que se anidan al azar. El sistema api-Zym es un micro-metodo semicuantitativo de investigacion que permite detectar rapida y simultaneamente 19 actividades enzimaticas a partir de pequenas cantidades de inoculo de la bacteria. En este estudio observacional descriptivo se incluyeron finalmente 120 ninos de 3 a 5 anos de un preescolar en Bogota (Colombia). Se encontro S. mutans en 15 de los 45 ninos sin caries dental (33.3%) y en 31 de los 75 ninos con caries (41.33%). En total se identificaron 69 aislamientos de S. mutans en los 46 ninos: 24 en los 15 ninos sin caries dental y 45 en los 31 ninos con caries dental. Con el sistema Api-Zym se determinaron 36 fenotipos: 22 en el grupo de caries y 15 en el grupo sin caries. Los dos grupos solamente presentaron en comun el fenotipo XX. Con el metodo AP-PCR se identificaron 27 perfiles, 22 en el grupo con caries y 9 en el grupo sin caries; ambos grupos de pacientes compartieron 4 perfiles genomicos. En conclusion, la informacion muestra una gran diversidad en perfiles de genotipos y fenotipos de S. mutans en la poblacion objeto de estudio, los cuales en algunos casos se complementan para establecer con claridad diferencias intra e inter-individuo.

Genetic polymorphism of Streptococcus mutans strains associated with incomplete caries removal

Aim: Despite the antibacterial properties of dental materials, the survival of residual bacteria under restorations has been demonstrated after incomplete caries removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of Streptococcus mutans strains isolated from deep dentinal lesions before and three months after incomplete caries removal. Methods: Samples of carious dentin were collected from 33 primary and/or permanent molars before and after indirect pulp treatment and processed for microbiological isolation of mutans streptococci (MS). After three months of the dental treatment, positive cultures for MS were detected in only ten of these teeth. DNA of MS isolates were obtained and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification of S mutans. The arbitrary primed-PCR method (primer OPA-13) was used to detect the genetic polymorphism of S. mutans strains. Results: Identical or highly related S. mutans genotypes were observed in each tooth, regardless of the collect. Considering each tooth separately, a maximum of nine genotypic patterns were found in each tooth from all the collects. In addition, at least one genotypic pattern was repeated in the three collects. Genetic diversity was observed among the S. mutans isolates, obtained from different teeth after three months of the dental treatment. Conclusions: The persistence of identical genotypic patterns and the genetic similarity among the isolates, from the same tooth in distinct collects, showed the resistance of some S. mutans strains after incomplete caries removal treatment.

Detección molecular de estreptococos cariogénicos en saliva / Molecular detection of cariogenic streptococci in saliva

Streptococcus mutans y Streptococcus sobrinus han sido indicados como los principales agentes etiológicos de la caries dental. Sin embargo, los métodos microbiológicos y bioquímicos, disponibles actualmente en Chile, no permiten la rápida detección e identificación de estas bacterias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue implementar la metodología de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para detectar la presencia de S. mutans y S. sobrinus en saliva. Participaron de este estudio 51 escolares (5 a 17 años), provenientes de cinco diferentes colegios de la ciudad de Temuco; a los cuales se les realizó recuento de estreptococos del grupo mutans en saliva por método microbiológico y la diferenciación de especies por la técnica de PCR. Los resultados mostraron que la sensibilidad para la técnica de PCR fue 1000 UFC/mL de saliva, diez veces superior a la sensibilidad del método microbiológico utilizado (10.000 UFC/mL). Además, el análisis de la especificidad de la amplificación, evaluada por restricción enzimática, confirmó la presencia de las bacterias investigadas. La prevalencia de S. mutans fue de 88.2 por ciento y para S. sobrinus de 11.8 por ciento. La presencia conjunta de ambas bacterias fue observada en 7.8 por ciento de los individuos. En conclusión, podemos señalar que la metodología implementada es útil para la detección rápida de S. mutans y S. sobrinus en saliva.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the main causative organisms of dental caries. Nevertheless, the microbiological and biochemical methods, available at the moment in Chile, do not allow to the fast detection and identification of these bacteria. The aim of this investigation is implement the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect the presence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva. A total of 51 schoolchildren (5 to 17 years old) from five different schools from Temuco city (Chile) participated in this study. The presence of salivary mutans streptococci was determined by microbiological method, and the species differentiation was assessed using PCR technique. The sensitivity for the PCR technique was 1000 cfu/mL of saliva, ten times superior to the sensitivity of the microbiological method used (10,000 cfu/mL). In addition, the analysis of the specificity of the amplification, evaluated by enzymatic restriction, confirmed the presence of the investigated bacteria. The prevalence of S. mutans was of 88.2 percent and for 5. sobrinus was 11.8 percent. The combined presence of both bacteria was observed in 7.8 percent of the individuals. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that the implemented methodology is useful for the rapid detection of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva.

Evaluation of genotypic diversity of Streptococcus mutans using distinct arbitrary primers

Streptococcus mutans has been considered one of the main etiological agents of dental caries and the genotypic diversity rather than its salivary counts may be considered as a virulence factor of this bacterium. For genotyping with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with arbitrary primers, several primers have been used in order to improve complexity and specificity of amplicon patterns. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of agreement of genotypic identification among AP-PCR reactions performed with 5 distinct arbitrary primers of S. mutans isolated from saliva. Stimulated saliva was collected from 11 adult volunteers for isolation of S. mutans, and a total of 88 isolates were genotyped with arbitrary primers OPA 02, 03, 05, 13 and 18. Fourteen distinct genotypes were identified in the saliva samples. Most volunteers (9 out of 11) presented only one genotype. The results of the present study suggest that primers OPA 02, 03, 05 and 13 were suitable for genotypic identification of S. mutans isolates of saliva from adult volunteers.

Isolation and purification of total RNA from Streptococcus mutans in suspension cultures and biofilms

The presence of extracellular polysaccharides matrix makes extraction and purification of RNA from Streptococcus mutans within biofilms challenging. In this study, several approaches to purify RNA extracted from S. mutans in suspension cultures and biofilms were examined. The combination of sonication (3 pulses of 30 s at 7 W), suspension in NAES buffer (50 mM sodium acetate buffer, 10 mM EDTA and 1 percent SDS; pH 5.0) and homogenization-mechanical cells disruption in NAES- acid phenol:chloroform, yielded 9.04 mg (or 0.52 mg) of crude preparation of RNA per 100 mg of total cell (or biofilm) dry-weight. The crude RNA preparations were subjected to various DNAse I treatments. The combination of DNAse I in silica-gel based column followed by recombinant DNase I in solution provided the best genomic DNA removal, resulting in 4.35 mg (or 0.06 mg) of purified RNA per 100 mg of total cell (or biofilm) dry-weight. The cDNAs generated from the purified RNA sample were efficiently amplified using gtfB S. mutans-specific primers. The results showed a method that yields high-quality RNA from both planktonic cells and biofilms of S. mutans in sufficient quantity and quality for real-time RT-PCR analyses.

Diagnóstico microbiológico y molecular de bacterias cariogénicas en mujeres embarazadas de la Región de La Araucanía, Chile / Microbiologic and molecular diagnostic of cariogenic bacteria in pregnant women from the Araucania Region of Chile

Dental caries is a transmissible infectious disease in which Streptococcus mutans is a principal protagonist. Although it is widely believed that pregnancy is harmful to teeth, the effect of pregnancy on the development of caries is not clear. Considering this situation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of infection and to differentiate bacterial species with cariogenic potential in pregnant women from the Araucania region in Chile, by bacteriological and molecular analysis. In this work, we evaluated 51 pregnant women aged 15 to 40 years. The results show that 100 percent of women are infected by mutans streptococci Group, and 70.6 percent exhibited high levels of infection (> 500.000 cfu/mL). The molecular analysis shows that Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus frequencies were 92.1 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. In conclusion, our data suggest that pregnant women are a high risk group for caries development.

La caries dental es una enfermedad infecciosa, en la cual Streptococcus del grupo mutans, son los principales protagonistas. Aunque está ampliamente difundida la creencia de que el embarazo es perjudicial para la salud dental, el real efecto de esta condición sobre el desarrollo de caries aún no está claro. Considerando esta situación, el objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar los niveles de infección en mujeres embarazadas de la Región de La Araucanía (Chile) y diferenciar especies bacterianas con potencial cariogénico, de aquellas sin este potencial, mediante análisis bacteriológico y molecular. En el presente estudio fueron evaluadas 51 mujeres gestantes con edades que fluctuaron entre 15 y 40 años. Los resultados muestran que 100 por ciento) de las mujeres se encuentran infectadas por Streptococcus del grupo mutans, de las cuales 10,6 por ciento muestra un riesgo elevado de desarrollar caries (>500.000 ufc/ml). El análisis molecular mostró que las frecuencias de Streptococcus mutans y Streptococcus sobrinus fueron 92,1 por ciento y 1,9 por ciento, respectivamente. En conclusión, nuestros datos sugieren que las mujeres embarazadas son un grupo de alto riesgo para el desarrollo de caries dental.

Detection of streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus in dental plaque samples from Brazilian preschool children by polymerase chain reaction

The purposes of this study were to detect S. mutans and S. sobrinus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and to relate their presence to the incidence of dental caries in 42 Brazilian preschool children. Dental plaque samples were collected from the cervical margin of all erupted teeth of 5-6 years old children with primary dentition, using a sterile explorer. Examination of the dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index, performed following the World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria, showed a 2.71 score. Prevalence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus was respectively, of 85.7 percent and 14.3 percent; no dental plaque sample was either positive or negative for both bacterial species. Children harboring either S. mutans or S. sobrinus presented the same caries prevalence. PCR showed good discriminative ability for differentiation between these species, and suggested that it is a technique suitable for epidemiological studies on mutans streptococci.

A presença de Streptococcus mutans e S. sobrinus, detectadas através da técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi comparada com a incidência de cárie dental em 42 crianças pré-escolares brasileiras. As amostras da placa dental foram obtidas utilizando-se um explorador estéril, o qual foi passado na margem cervical de todos os dentes erupcionados nas crianças de 5-6 anos de idade, as quais possuíam a dentição primária. Foi realizado um exame dental para a avaliação do índice ceod (índice de dentes decíduos cariados, extraídos por cárie ou obturados) de acordo com os critérios de diagnóstico de cárie preconizados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). O índice ceod foi de 2,71. A presença de S. mutans e S. sobrinus foi detectada em 85,7 por cento e 14,3 por cento das crianças analisadas respectivamente, nenhuma amostra da placa dental foi positiva ou negativa para a presença das duas bactérias ao mesmo tempo. As crianças que apresentavam S. mutans ou S. sobrinus isoladamente apresentaram o mesmo índice de cárie. A técnica de PCR apresentou um grande poder discriminatório entre as duas espécies o que sugere que ela é adequada para estudos epidemiológicos no grupo mutans.