Streptococci mutans: Método semi- cuantitativo para establecer el rango de riesgo de infección bucal en niños preescolares chilenos

• Alfredo Linossier C ^[1] ; Alex Vargas D ^[1] ; Gisela Zillmann G ^[2] ; Moisés Arriagada R ^[2] ; Robinson Rojas A ^[2] ; Rodrigo Villegas R ^[2]
  1. [1] Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

     Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

     Santiago, Chile

     
  2. [2] Universidad de Chile

     Universidad de Chile

     Santiago, Chile

     
• Localización: Revista Médica de Chile, ISSN-e 0034-9887, Vol. 131, Nº. 4, 2003, págs. 412-418
• Idioma: español
• Títulos paralelos:
  • A semi-quantitative method to assess oral infections with Streptococci mutans in preschool Chilean children
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • Background: Salivary infection due to Streptococci mutans is considered the main microbiological risk factor for the initiation of dental caries. Aim: To evaluate a semi-quantitative method to assess Streptococci mutans salivary infection and compare it with the existing quantitative method. Patient and methods: Saliva samples were obtained from 650 pre-school children aged 2 to 6 years old using a TYCSB liquid medium for counting Streptococci mutans. Results were compared with quantitative cultures. Results: There was a 99.3% linear correlation coefficient between both methods. The correlation coefficients with dental caries prevalence were 97% for the semi quantitative method and 90% for the quantitative method. Conclusions: The semi-quantitative method to assess oral infection with Streptococci mutans, is accurate enough to be used in population studies and oral infection prevention programs in developing countries (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 412-8).