NOVEL SERUM TYPE STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND ULTILIZATION OF THE SAME

摘要

A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide which lowers the glucose side chain amount in a polysaccharide antigen specific to Streptococcus mutans of serum type; a novel Streptococcus mutans strain having the above polynucleotide; an antibody specific to this Streptococcus mutans strain; and a method of detecting the above-described Streptococcus mutans strain occurring in a test sample. According to this method, it is possible to examine the presence or absence of Streptococcus mutans with an undetermined serum type in a test sample to thereby specify a subject having a high risk of the onset of infectious endocarditis.