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Interbacterial aggregation of actinomyces naeslundii and dental plaque streptococci
Author(s) -
Ellen R. P.,
BalcerzakRaczkowski I. B.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.1977.tb00104.x
Subject(s) - actinomyces naeslundii , streptococcus mitis , microbiology and biotechnology , dental plaque , streptococcus mutans , actinomyces , streptococcus , bacteria , biology , chemistry , genetics
The ability of human Actinomyces naeslundii strains to aggregate with dental plaque streptococci was found to be strain specific. A. naeslundii strains aggregated strongly more often with specific strains of Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mitis than with Streptococcus mutans strains. The effects of proteolytic enzymes and heat on the interbacterial affinities of A. naeslundii 398A and S. sanguis S, two strains which were found to aggregate strongly, were studied. Enzyme or heat treatment of 398 A, but not S. sanguis S, impaired aggregation. Electron microscopic examination of aggregates of untreated bacteria revealed that the attachment between cells of strains 398 A and S was mediated by short tufts of electron‐dense fuzzy components of the cell surfaces. The affinity between cells of A. naeslundii and the streptococci which readily colonize cleaned smooth tooth surfaces may account, in part, for the previously‐reported, delayed increase in A. naeslundii proportions among bacteria forming early plaque deposits.