Carriage rate of streptococcus species on gum of apparently healthy population in health and Medical Technology College

Abstract

Background Gum specimens were collected from the labial vestibule of mouth using swabs and sterile cotton were submitted to standard microbiological technique for the isolation and characterization of bacterial isolate. Aims To estimate the carriage rate of streptococcus spp. On gum of healthy population. Patients and Methods This study was conducted in the College of Health and Medical Technology and Teaching Laboratories of Medical City for the period from 1st September 2010 15th April /2011. A total of 757 participants were included .They were chosen randomly form staff and students of Health and Medical Technical College. Results 69% of normal healthy individuals were carrier for Streptococcus spp. In the labial vestibule rate between male and female participants (64% vs 5%), (P<0.05), there was significant difference in the gum carriage of streptococcus Mutans rate were 17% between male and female participants (16% vs 1%), (P<0.05). However, the age group between (18-20 years) showed higher carriage of Streptococcus salivarius. The study also found that there was significant difference between the age group (18-20) which showed higher carriage of Streptococcus mutans rate compared to other age groups. On the other hand, slightly higher carriage rate was established among rural compared to urban population (341 % vs 416%), (P>0.05). In addition, smoker participants (only male) had higher significant carriage rate in comparison with non –smokers (62.3% vs 37.7%), (P>0.05). Conclusions Considerable proportion of healthy population carries Streptococcus species (spp.) In their labial vestibule.