Serotype Distribution of S. Mutans in Children with Caries

Objective: The involvement of Streptococcus mutans in dental caries phatogenesis has been known, but little information with regards to the serotype distribution. In this study, PCR-based serotyping method was used to determine the serotype distribution of S. mutans in childrens (3-5 years old) with difference caries severity and same economic level, in Jakarta. Methods: Twenty-three subjects were separated in three groups, low caries, moderate caries and high caries, respectively. Dental plaque and saliva samples were collected from all subjects who used bottle milk usually. Samples were kept in cold medium transport, and bacterial DNA was extracted , prior to be analyzed by PCR using primer sets that was capable of amplifying DNA fragments specific to c, e, and f serotype of . S. mutans. Results: This study shows, f serotype was bacteria more frequently found (91%; 31/34) followed by c serotype (79%; 27/34) and e respectively (29%, 10/34). However, Some children have more than one serotype (60% f and c combination, 4.3% f and e combination, and 23% f, c, and e combination) and 34.8% have single serotype. The distribution of serotype in the three groups was different. In low caries most of them have f and c and the proportion of serotype distribution is the same between three groups of severity. Conclusion:f serotype was had almost all children (3 -5 years old) with difference caries severity and same economic level, in Jakarta even thought some of them have serotype combination with c and e.