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Investigation of Saliva Samples for the Presence of Serotypes f and k in Streptococcus mutans

Undergraduate #114
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

Maria Smith - Rochester Institute of Technology


Streptococcus mutans, the etiological agent of dental caries, is categorized into four serotypes, c, e, f and k, with serotypes f and k believed to have a prevalence of five percent. Not much is known about the prevalence of serotype k in the US. Previous reports have linked serotypes f and k to cardiovascular disorders and noted their prevalence within the eastern hemisphere. Extensive travel between the US and the rest of the world may increase the prevalence of serotypes f and k within the US. Processed saliva samples, from the RIT student population were analyzed using Taq Man and SYBR Green PCR, respectively, to determine f and k serotype distribution. Within the samples tested, serotype f was absent. Surprisingly, serotype k exhibited 31.37% prevalence, largely among African American females. Knowledge about serotype distribution, particularly serotype k may necessitate saliva screening before traumatic dental procedures, particularly within elderly populations.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

Faculty Advisor: Robert Osgood,

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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