Cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans AHT mutants with altered in vitro adherence abilities in hamsters.

摘要: Plaque-forming ability and cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans AHT mutants having varying in vitro adherence abilities were studied hamsters reared on a high sucrose diet over period 64 days. The parent wild-type strain produced heavy plaque extensive carious lesions molars. However, M1, M2, M13, which have lost the to form adhesive deposits glass when grown broth, mutant M9, adheres firmly but an extremely small amount, could not be recovered from mouths animals even after repeated inoculations at weekly intervals throughout experimental period. Mutant M35, produces large amount loosely adhering vitro, became established persisted molars, its recovery was low. None mutants, including significantly caries hamsters. Possible causes this inability avirulence are discussed.