Transmission of mutans streptococci in adults within a Chinese population

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was transmission between adults in Chinese families using chromosomal DNA fingerprinting. Plaque samples were obtained from buccal and occlusal surfaces of 11 married couples. The colonization levels of mutans streptococci were estimated as colony-forming units per milliliter, and caries experience was scored by decayed, missing and filled teeth. Information about medical history, diet regimes and age at marriage was obtained. The isolates were serotyped by biochemical test and genotyped using the restriction endonuclease HaeIII. The procedure was repeated after 3 months. The results showed that 1 couple had the same genotype of mutans streptococcus at the first examination, but this could not be repeated for the husband who had lost his mutans streptococci at the second examination. On the contrary, another couple that did not have the same mutans streptococcal genotype at the beginning had the same genotype after 3 months. No matching of genotypes was observed within 8 couples. In 1 male, no mutans streptococci were detected, therefore that couple was not considered. These data indicate that spouses had a chance to be infected by strains of mutans streptococci from another person. The results suggest that there may be transmission between adults in Chinese families, but it may be difficult for mutans streptococci to colonize another mouth permanently.