Antibodies against Streptococcus mutans and glucosyltransferases in caries-free and caries-active military recruits.
1) Plaque samples from caries-active recruits showed a higher incidence of S. mutans than plaque samples from caries-free recruits. The persistance of the S. mutans serotypes in the individual plaque samples attested to the consistency of S. mutans in human dental plaque. 2) S. mutans serotype d is predominantly present in approximal plaque of caries-active subjects. 3) Serum antibody titers against S. mutans are higher in caries-active individuals. 4) Sera from caries-free or caries-active individuals inhibit the insoluble glucan synthesis by the cellbound GTF to the same extent. 5) It is unlikely that antibodies against S. mutans in parotid saliva or serum play a major role in the protection against dental caries in Dutch military recruits.
D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D009426:Netherlands; D010306:Parotid Gland; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology; D012703:Serotyping; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D005964:Glucosyltransferases