Invasion of bacteria in enamel carious lesions.

A review of recent findings concerning enamel carious lesions is presented. This lesion represents the initial phase of dental caries and is characterized by a demineralization of the subsurface enamel caused by acids of the plaque bacteria. Streptococcus mutans has been described as the etiologic agent of the dental caries and the most acidogenic plaque bacteria.

Mechanisms of HIV-associated immunosuppression.

HIV antigens were identified in PBL obtained from HIV-positive patients, using IF and IEM. Studies of the phenotype of HIV-containing lymphocytes showed that OKT4+ cells were the principal target of the virus. Approximately 5% of infected cells were multinucleated.

Immunoglobulins in human dental caries.

The penetration and complement fixation of sIgA, IgM and IgG were studied in advanced human dental caries with double-staining immunofluorescence technique. Immunoglobulins were found in dental plaque and in the superficial layers of the lesions which were exposed to saliva. sIgA was the most frequent, followed by IgG and IgM.

Identification of bacteria in association with immune components in human carious dentin.

Actinomyces viscosus, A. naselundii, Streptococcus mutans serotype "c" and S. mutans serotype "d/g" were identified in human carious dentin using histological and immunofluorescent techniques.

Magnetic response in cultures of Streptococcus mutans ATCC-27607.

Streptococcus mutans ATCC-27607 produces exopolysaccharides that adhere to glass. In the normal geomagnetic field about 50% more polysaccharide adhere preferentially to glass surfaces facing North as compared to South facing surfaces. Reversal of the direction of the magnetic field by 180 degrees produces a similar reversal in the direction of the preferential accumulation.