Abstract
Representative strains of Streptococcus mutans serotypes a through g, which have been maintained in our laboratory, were reexamined for cariogenic virulence in golden hamsters reared on a high sucrose diet for 42 days. Six of the 20 strains tested became easily established on molars and produced significant levels of plaque and caries in all trials. Another 8 strains also produced caries significantly but occasionally and at lower levels than the above strains. They became established and persisted on teeth at a relatively later stage and in relatively smaller numbers. The remaining 6 strains induced no caries in any trials. No consistent difference was found among the 3 groups in the growth rate, acid production, and sucrose-dependent adherence to wire. Dissociation of one or more of the traits thought to be involved in cariogenicity of S. mutans from the virulence of serotype e and g strains has been discussed.
