METHODS AND SPECIES-SPECIFIC PRIMERS FOR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND STREPTOCOCCUS SANGUINIS IN MIXED BACTERIAL SAMPLES

摘要

Dental caries is a polymicrobial infectious disease. Of the hundreds of bacteria present in the biofilms coating teeth, the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) remain strongly linked to caries and dental disease. Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) may serve a protective or antagonistic role against the cariogenic bacterium S. mutans. In the present invention, exemplary sets of species-specific PCR primers are provided for the identification and quantification of S. mutans and of S. sanguinis in clinical samples, including the simultaneous and sensitive analysis of both bacterial species. Assays, kits and methods for determining the presence and amount of S. mutans and/or S. sanguinis are provided. Oligonucleotide probes and primers for use in the assays, kits and methods are described. Assays and methods for determining and evaluating an individual's oral bacteria, risk for caries, and effects of prevention and treatment modalities, are provided.