Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 5-10, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Distribution of Streptococcus mutans biotypes in five human populations
H. J. Keene, I. L. Shklair, G. J. Mickel and M. R. Wirthlin
The distribution of S mutans biotypes in five geographically separated
human populations was investigated. Samples of dental plaque were obtained
from recruits at the US Naval Training Center in Orlando, Fl (N=49) in San
Diego, Calif (N=25), and in Great Lakes, Ill (N=194), and from a sample of
Hawaiian school children (N=55) and Saudi Arabian Navy personnel (N-217).
Cultural and biochemical methods were used for the isolation and
identification of the five different biotypes of S mutans which correlate
with Bratthall's serotypes a through e. Geographic differences in S mutans
biotype distribution were most apparent when the Saudi Arabian sample was
compared to the other four groups. Single and multiple biotypes were
observed in each group. Multiple biotypes occurred most frequently in the
Saudi Arabians. Biotypes a and b were rarely observed; c was the most
common in each of the populations; and d and e were more prevalent in the
Saudi Arabians than in the other groups. Because of the multifactorial
nature of dental caries, caution should be exercised in the interpretation
of population differences in caries experience that seem to be associated
with differences in S mutans-type distribution.
