Persistence of Streptococcus mutans in Stationary-Phase Batch Cultures and Biofilms

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.10.6181-6187.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-10-04T20:41:07Z
• Authors: John A. Renye; Patrick J. Piggot; Lolita Daneo-Moore; Bettina A. Buttaro
• Keywords: Dental plaque; Strain (injury)

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans is a member of oral plaque biofilms and considered the major etiological agent dental caries. We have characterized survival S. strain UA159 in both batch cultures biofilms. Bacteria grown chemically defined medium, FMC, containing an excess glucose or sucrose caused pH to decrease 4.0 at entry into stationary phase, they survived for about 3 days. Survival was extended up 11 days when medium contained limiting concentration that depleted by time bacteria reached phase. Sugar-limited maintained 7.0 throughout Their shortened addition exogenous lactic acid Sugar starvation did not lead comparable Although remained 7.0, could no longer be cultured from 4 after imposition starvation; Bac Light staining results agree with based on culturability. In biofilms, 0.5% mucin medium. Batch increased average 26 (±8) days, 2.7 × 10 5 CFU per chamber were still present starved 12