Author(s):
1. Nazia Masood Ahmed:
Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
2. Perween Tariq:
Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
3. Asma Naim:
Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Abstract:
Worldwide, dental caries is a multifactor prevalent disease, more widely known as tooth decay which ultimately results in loss of tooth and will continue to develop and progress for an individual's entire life if not paid attention to. Viridans group streptococci (VGS), facultative normal flora of oral cavity are the major etiologic agents of dental caries (oral infection). It is also a common and serious problem in Pakistan which is found to be approximately 30% to 60%. Hardly, few individuals understand the true implication of dental caries and what measures can be used to stop it. VGS have been thought to be of low virulence because they are not primary pathogens. The cariogenicity of oral streptococci is attributed to their acidogenic potential and glucan (extracellular polysaccharide) production. However, VGS can act as opportunistic pathogens under favorable conditions and also responsible for causing extra-oral infections such as infective endocarditis, bacteremia and pneumonia. The present study reviews the general characteristics of VGS and preventative measures for dental caries.
Page(s):
3-16
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, Volume: 20, Issue: 1, Year: 2023
Keywords:
dental caries
,
endocarditis
,
glucan
,
Viridans group streptococci
,
tooth loss
References:
References are not available for this document.
Citations
Citations are not available for this document.