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Comparison of two screening tests for Streptococcus mutants and evaluation of their suitability for mass screenings and private practice
Author(s) -
Newbrun Ernest,
Matsukubo T.,
Hoover Charles I.,
Graves Richard C.,
Brown Albert T.,
Disney Judith A.,
Bohannan Harry M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1984.tb01464.x
Subject(s) - medicine , bacitracin , streptococcus mutans , microbiology and biotechnology , veterinary medicine , bacteria , genetics , biology , antibiotics
Two simple microbiological tests for quantitating salivary Streptococcus mutants levels were compared with each other and evaluated for suitability for mass screenings and private practice. Both tests use mitis salivarius medium with bacitracin (MSB) and are selective for S. mutans. One test estimates colories grown on agar (MSBA) and the other estimates colonies grown in broth that adhere to glass (MSBB). Both are scored from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Children (293) in grades 5 and 6 in Tallahassee, Florida (nonfluoridated) were tested for S. mutants levels. Scores of children by both tests were significantly similar (χ 2 , regression and Kappa statistical analysis). Correlation coefficients (regression) between scores and DMFS increments of the previous 4 yr were 0.35 (MSBA) and 0.26 (MSBB). Both tests were very good in identifying children with low caries increments, but positive scores did not correlate well with high caries increments. Sampling and interpreting took 2 min (MSBA) and 1 min (MSBB). Cost of MSBA/child was $1.15, and MSBB/child $1.25. These tests are economical and suitable for mass screenings to identify low risk populations who do not require preventive treatment.