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How has genomics altered our view of caries microbiology?

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Roy Russell

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Abstract

Genome sequencing and other molecular techniques for the identification and characterisation of bacteria have provided us with a vast amount of new information, both on the detailed properties of certain species and on the total plaque microflora. Thus, from genomics, we have gained many valuable insights into the biology of Streptococcus mutans and the diversity within the species, while molecular techniques of identification have prompted a heightened awareness of the importance of species other than S. mutans to the caries process. S. mutans remains deserving of detailed study, both as an exemplar of an acidogenic, aciduric plaque bacterium and because it shows a strong association with caries. Nevertheless, its value as a target for inhibitors and its useful- ness as an indicator organism for monitoring the value of caries prediction or prevention need to be evaluated in the light of new discoveries. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Russell RRB

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Caries Research

Year: 2008

Volume: 42

Issue: 5

Pages: 319-327

ISSN (print): 0008-6568

ISSN (electronic): 1421-976X

Publisher: S. Karger AG

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000151326

DOI: 10.1159/000151326

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