Hemagglutination and Hydrophobicity of Oral Streptococci with Fibrous Structures

Abstract

Streptococcal strains with fibrous structures isolated from the dorsum of the tongue were identified and their hemagglutination and hydrophobic characteristics were examined. Morphologically different types of fibrils and fimbriae were detected in electron microscopic studies.
Identification based on both biochemical characterization and DNA homology revealed that S. salivarius and S. oralis predominated. A total of 14% of the isolates aggregated with rabbit erythrocytes. Hydrophobicity of streptococci differed in the water phase after agitation with hexadecane. The types of fibrils were related to hydrophobicity, but not hemagglutination.
Multiple factors may exist in the adherence of oral streptococci as early colonizers.