RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the colonization of group mutans streptococci according to age, measuring the amount of bacteria in saliva with a semi-quantitative method in a population attended in public and private dental centers of the Metropolitan Region, Santiago, Chile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were obtained from 14,649 patients aged 5 to 40 years, in one public and 5 private dental centers. Bacteria concentration was estimated by the comparison with a standard counting-chart. The concentration of group mutans streptococci in saliva was test by a 3-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Bacterial concentration of Streptococcus mutans related with the age of patients was significant (p < 0.001). Bacterial concentration in the preschool age was 4,7 x 10(5) CFU/mL at 5 years, while 6,0 x10(5) CFU/mL at 12 years of age, with a decrease in patients over 30 years. Bacterial concentration was significantly different in the six centers of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The semi-quantitative method was useful to determine the colonization by Streptococcus mutans according to age. This could help for identifying population at high risk of dental caries and to develop oral health prevention programs in specific populations.
Assuntos
Contagem de Colônia Microbiana/métodos , Saliva/microbiologia , Streptococcus mutans/isolamento & purificação , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Chile , Clínicas Odontológicas , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , População Urbana , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Objective: To evaluate the colonization of group mutans streptococci according to age, measuring the amount of bacteria in saliva with a semi-quantitative method in a population attended in public and private dental centers of the Metropolitan Region, Santiago, Chile. Patients and Methods: Saliva samples were obtained from 14,649 patients aged 5 to 40 years, in one public and 5 private dental centers. Bacteria concentration was estimated by the comparison with a standard counting-chart. The concentration of group mutans streptococci in saliva was test by a 3-way ANOVA. Results: Bacterial concentration of Streptococcus mutans related with the age of patients was significant (p < 0.001). Bacterial concentration in the preschool age was 4,7 x 10(5) CFU/mL at 5 years, while 6,0 x10(5) CFU/mL at 12 years of age, with a decrease in patients over 30 years. Bacterial concentration was significantly different in the six centers of the study. Conclusions: The semi-quantitative method was useful to determine the colonization by Streptococcus mutans according to age. This could help for identifying population at high risk of dental caries and to develop oral health prevention programs in specific populations.
Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de colonización Streptococcus grupo mutans según la edad, midiendo en saliva, con un método semi-cuantitativo, la cantidad de bacterias presente en una población que acude a centros odontológicos públicos y privados de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. Pacientes y Métodos: Se obtuvieron de 14.649 muestras de saliva de pacientes incluyendo hombres y mujeres, de 5 a 40 años, en un centro de atención estatal y en cinco de atención privada. El método de recuento fue la comparación con una tabla normada de concentraciones. El análisis estadístico incluyó ANOVA. Resultados: Se encontró que el recuento de Streptococcus grupo mutans en relación a las edades de los pacientes fue significativo (p < 0,001). El recuento de bacterias en los preescolares de 5 años fue alrededor de 4.7x10(5) ufc/ mL de saliva mientras que en los niños de 12 años fue de 6.0x10(5) ufc/mL, observándose además una disminución de la carga bacteriana en los pacientes de 30 años. A edades superiores se apreció un descenso paulatino. La concentración bacteriana fue significativamente distinta en los seis centros estudiados. Conclusiones: Este método de recuento de colonias a través de la espátula permitió determinar el grado de colonización producida por Steptococcus grupo mutans según las edades, es de utilidad para identificar la población de alto riesgo de caries dentales y su aplicación ayudaría a desarrollar programas de prevención en salud oral en poblaciones especificas.