Objective: To compare Streptococcus mutans genotypes in an initial subset of two low socio-economic communities with high caries rates to see if they share some common genotypes. We analyzed SM isolates from a Northern Plains Tribe and a group of children from Muscatine, Iowa.
Methods: Isolates from seven Northern Plains Tribe children (3 years old) and seven Children from Muscatine, Iowa (3-5 years old) were obtained from plaque samples. DNA was extracted using a rapid extraction technique, amplified using AP-PCR using OPA-2 primers. All gels were visualized using a FOTO/Convertible™ Dual Light Transilluminator and a FOTO/Analyst Luminary imaging system from Fotodyne®. The genotypes were analyzed using GelCompar ®IIv6.5 software by Applied Maths.
Results: Seven genotypes were found in theses 14 children. Five of these SM genotypes were found in both study populations. One genotype was unique to the Northern Plains children and one genotype was unique to the Muscatine children.
Conclusions: There are multiple SM genotypes shared across the American Indian and Muscatine, Iowa populations with two identified to date unique to a population. Our analysis of SM genotype profiles in these two populations continues.