Serotype specificity for some biochemical characteristics of Streptococcus mutans.
Representative strains of Streptococcus mutans serotypes a to g were examined for characteristic in vitro traits thought to contribute to cariogenic virulence. Most strains of serotypes a, d and g produced higher proportion of the cell-associated, alkali-soluble glucans from sucrose. Cells of these serotypes agglutinated upon addition of high-molecular-weight dextrans or sucrose, but did not adsorb well to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Serotype c, e and f strains, by contrast, synthesized higher proportions of the extracellular, water-soluble glucans and adsorbed well to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite particles but did not agglutinate with dextrans. Thus, serotype a, d and g S. mutans and type c, e and f S. mutans formed two separate groups on the basis of these biochemical properties. Synthesis of intracellular iodophilic polysaccharides from glucose showed a different pattern of distribution among the serotypes: types a, d, e and f synthesized large amounts of this polysaccharide, while all but one of the eight type c and g strains produced only small amounts. Serotype b S. mutans seemed to constitute a separate subgroup in terms of the above in vitro traits.
D000371:Agglutination; D003911:Dextrans / Q000494:pharmacology; D006882:Hydroxyapatites; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012703:Serotyping; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology
D003911:Dextrans; D006882:Hydroxyapatites; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D013395:Sucrose