Serotypes of Streptococcus mutans

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus mutans is considered as a main causative pathogen of dental caries, also known to cause bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Nowadays, this bacterium has been classified into 4 serotypes based on the difference of rhamnose-glucose antigens on its cell wall. The major serotype in oral cavity is serotype c, followed by serotype e and f, respectively. As for serotype k, this serotype has been recently discovered, and its prevalence in oral cavity also seems low. Evidence has shown various defects of adhesion proteins on the cell surface of minor serotype S. mutans. In contrast, these strains possess the ability to cause prolonged bacteremia as well as the property to adhere well to the defective parts of the heart. Thus, the difference in serotypes might be associated with quality and role of pathogenesis mechanisms of this bacterium.