Clostridium botulinum

General characteristics of Streptococcus mutans

• Gram (+) cocci, non-motile, facultative aerobe (grows faster in the absence of oxygen).

• No capsule, but it can be divided into four different serotypes based on the Rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide on the surface of the cells.

(RGP) serotyping – c, e, f & k

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptococcus_mutans

Sciencephoto.com

Streptococcus mutans and disease • Mainly associated with caries development.

• While present in the oral cavity of the majority of population, individuals with high sugar consumption, low immunity, and/or poor hygiene develop disease.

• Slime-layer made of glucose polymers.

• Individuals that don’t show disease symptoms can still spread to others.

• Humans are their natural reservoir.

Streptococcus mutans and disease

• Diagnosed during routine visits to dentist.

• Treatable, not curable.

Linkhay.com

S. mutans and infective endocarditis

• S. mutans strains are frequently isolated from patients with infective endocarditis (IE).

• IE occurs when bacteria binds to and grow on damaged heart valves, leading to prolonged bacteremia and loss of heart valve function.

S. mutans and infective endocarditis

• Endocarditis diagnosis is done by repeated blood cultures and the isolation of the same organism multiple times.

• Treated with penicillin G for long- periods (until mass disappears and blood cultures are negative).

• In rare occasions, surgical intervention is needed to remove mass and replace damaged valve.