Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana
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Date
2015
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Publisher
Journal of Obesity and Overweight
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of
fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene, these bacteria increase the risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries
while others did not. High-sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries.
Citation: Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus mutans and
Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes
Overweig 1(1): 101. doi: 10.15744/2455-7633.1.101
Objectives: This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental
caries among obese and non-obese children.
Methods: Oral plaque was taken from 75 obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque
was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species were recovered after
sub-culturing the broths onto Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) selective plates, respectively, and
incubation at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Bacteria isolates on the selective plates were identified using Gram morphology and
catalase activity.
Results: Streptococcus mutans was isolated in 51 (33.6%) of all 150 children. The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was significantly
higher in the obese children 31 (41.3%) than the non-obese 20 (26.0%), p=0.033. Recovery of Lactobacillus species was low 2 (1.3%).
Caries prevalence was similar in the obese 14.9% and non-obese 15.1%. There was no significant association between Streptococcus
mutans infection and the dental caries. Overall Silness and LÖe Plaque Index of 1.1 ± 0.5 indicate good oral hygiene status for the
children.
Conclusion: Obese school children had higher oral Streptococcus mutans infections than non-obese children but this was not
significantly associated with dental caries prevalence.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus species, Obese children, Dental caries, Accra
Citation
Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes Overweig 1(1): 101. doi: 10.15744/2455-7633.1.101