Characterization of an Unusual Fluoride-Resistant Streptococcus mutans Isolate

Abstract.

A fluoride-resistant Streptococcus mutans isolate NCH105 was characterized and compared with wild-type strain UA130. The growth and lactic acid production of strain NCH105 were found to be unaffected by the presence of fluoride at the initial medium pH values of 6.5 and 6. In addition, NCH105 was found to be capable of lowering the pH of the medium to approximately 5.5, which is the critical level where enamel demineralization begins in vivo. Lactic acid production, glucose uptake at pH 6.5 and 6, as well as ATPase activity at pH 5 were found to be unaffected by fluoride. Finally, strain NCH105 is capable of binding as well as the wild-type bacterium to artificial tooth pellicles. These results are unusual when compared with previously isolated fluoride-resistant mutants and suggest that NCH105 may have the ability to colonize the tooth surface and initiate dental caries.