Mutans streptococci (MS) (MS)

Mutans streptococci (MS) are a group of Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria, most notably including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, which are the primary causative agents of dental caries (StatPearls, 2023). These organisms are characterized by their ability to adhere to tooth surfaces via the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and form resilient biofilms known as dental plaque (NIH, 2022). Their pathogenicity is driven by acidogenesis—the fermentation of dietary sugars into organic acids—and aciduricity, which allows them to survive and continue acid production in low-pH environments, leading to enamel demineralization (PubMed, 2021). While primarily associated with oral disease, MS can enter the systemic circulation and are a recognized cause of subacute infective endocarditis (Wikipedia, 2024). Pharmacological interventions include the use of antiseptics like chlorhexidine to disrupt bacterial membranes, fluoride to inhibit metabolic enzymes and promote remineralization, and xylitol to interfere with sugar transport (Journal of Oral Microbiology, 2020). Current research focuses on developing targeted antimicrobials and vaccines to specifically reduce MS populations while preserving the healthy oral microbiome (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2021).

Other names

Streptococcus mutans groupCariogenic streptococciMS group

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, disruption of cytoplasmic membranes, inhibition of glycolytic enzymes (e.g., enolase), and competitive inhibition of carbohydrate transport and metabolism.