Genetic Variability of Streptococcus mutans and their association with Caries
Date
2021Author
Carletto Körber, Fabiana Pia Marina
González-Ittig, Raul Enrique
Vera, Noelia Soledad
Cornejo, Lila Susana
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Streptoccus mutans one of the most widely distributed bacteria in the world, are considered significant contributors to thedevelopment of dental caries, by attaching to the tooth surfaces and forming biofilms, they can tolerate and adapt to the harshand rapidly changing physiological conditions of the oral cavity such as extreme acidity, fluctuation of nutrients, reactiveoxygen species, and other environmental stresses. In the last two decades, the increase in population genetics studies hascontributed to elucidating important questions about the evolution of the pathogenesis of bacteria of clinical interest.Genetic studies carried out on Streptococcus mutans combined with new knowledge of the structure of biofilm open newresearch areas regarding the prevention and treatment of dental caries, and the prophylaxis of systemic diseases such asinfective endocarditis.The objective of this study is to revise and update the knowledge of the last fifteen years regarding the genetic variability ofStreptococcus mutans and their association with dental caries. This research shows the results of numerous studies carried outin various countries that, using molecular and biochemical methods, revealed associations between different serotypes andcaries 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 ofagricultural development.This situation requires, several challenges must be addressed to ensure accurate and quality diagnostics. In this sense, it isimportant to instruct and educate future health professionals about these types of techniques, indicating their advantages andlimitations. The idea is to promote the development of interdisciplinary teams that, in the future, can design, implement,standardize, control, and interpret these diagnostic tools.