Quantification of Mutans Streptococci and Persister Cells in Orthodontic Patients: A Pilot Investigation
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Orthodontic patients have higher risk for dental caries. Within plaque biofilm, mutans streptococci (MS) are present together with persister cells (PC), a microbial subset that confers disease chronicity and relapse potential. PC levels are elevated by environmental stresses, e.g., orthodontic treatment. Our purpose was to quantify, for the first time, MS and PC in orthodontic patients. Plaque samples were collected in 17 patients at 0, 1 and 6 months after fixed appliance bonding. Percentage of MS and PC were determined by microbiological assays. Overall, treatment did not affect %MS and %PC (P>0.05). However, %PC response to treatment appeared to be dependent on baseline %MS values. Patients with low %MS at baseline had an increase in %PC during treatment, while %PC decreased in those with high baseline %MS. Orthodontic treatment may provide a way for MS to persist in individual orthodontic patients with specific subtypes and contribute to higher caries incidence.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Chelsea Ko-Adams
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3092314864