Relationship between glycosyltransferase enzyme and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental childhood caries

Background: Dental caries, known as tooth decay, is mainly caused through Streptococcus mutans. The S. mutans produce acids and leading to cavity formation through demineralization of enamel layer. The biofilm formed by S. mutans, composed of glucan polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and proteins, plays an essential role in caries ex¬pansion. Aim: The correlation between glycosyltransferase (Gtf) activity, responsible for glucan matrix synthesis, and biofilm formation in S. mutans was investigated. Methodology: The samples, conducted in Al-Shaab Dental Specialist Center in Baghdad, included 120 child patients diagnosed with caries. Dental plaque samples were collected and analyzed for bacterial isolation, identification, and biochemical tests. Gtf activity was estimated by spectrophotometer using Wu and co-workers method. Results: A significant positive correlation between Gtf activity and biofilm produc¬tion was found by statistical analysis, with a robust correlation coefficient (r=0.967) at 48 hours of biofilm formation. Conclusion: These results underline the crucial role of Gtf in S. mutans biofilm formation, offering visions into the interaction between Gtf activity and caries development. Understanding this relationship may contribute to the devel¬opment of strategies targeting biofilm disruption for improved oral health.