Detection of Streptococcus mutans in Saliva using Monoclonal Antibodies

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of a detection method for Streptococcus mutans in saliva with monoclonal antibodies developed targeting Ag I/II and glucosyltransferases (gtf B, gtf C and gtf D) in Streptococcus mutans. In the three groups tested (adults, minors, and minors under orthodontic treatment), the results of the DMFT scores, the colony density (CFU/mL) in their saliva was measured using $Dentocult^{(R)}$-SM strip mutans, polymerase chain reaction was performed to test whether Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were present, and Streptococcus mutans detecting tests performed in their saliva using four types of monoclonal antibody were collected. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the Streptococcus mutants plays more important role in forming dental caries compared to Streptococcus sobrinus, and that the monoclonal antibodies against glucosyltransferases (gtf B, gtf C, gtf D) and Ag I/II of Streptococcus mutans are superior in detecting Streptococcus mutans to $Dentocult^{(R)}$-SM strip mutans or polymerase chain reaction.

단일클론항체를 사용한 타액 내 Streptococcus mutans 검출

본 연구의 목적은 Streptococcus mutans의 Ag I/II와 glucosyltransferase에 대해 개발된 단일클론항체를 사용한 타액 내 Streptococcus mutans 검출의 효용성을 평가하기 위함이다. 세 군(성인, 미성년자, 그리고 교정치료중인 미성년자)을 대상으로 DMFT, $Dentocult^{(R)}$-SM strip mutans를 이용한 타액내의 colony density (CFU/mL), polymerase chain reaction을 이용한 Sreptococcus mutans와 Sreptococcus sobrinus의 존재여부, 그리고 4가지 단일클론항체를 사용한 타액 내 Streptococcus mutans 검출 실험을 시행하였다. 그 결과 Streptococcus mutans가 Streptococcus sobrinus보다 치아우식 형성에 더 주요하게 작용한다는 것을 입증하였으며, glucosyltransferases (gtf B, gtf C, gtf D)와 Ag I/II에 대한 단일클론항체들의 Streptococcus mutans를 검출해 내는 능력이 $Dentocult^{(R)}$-SM strip mutans나 polymerase chain reaction을 사용한 검출법보다 뛰어남을 보였다.