The Occurrence of Beta Hemolytic Streptococci on the Gingiva of Normal Young Adults

Abstract

Although there have been many studies of the occurrence of beta hemolytic streptococci on the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal passages in both health and disease, little attention has been paid to these organisms in the oral cavity proper. The tonsillar fossae and labial gingivae of the lower anterior teeth of approx. 500 un-selected medical and dental students were investigated for the occurrence of beta hemolytic streptococci, by means of swabbings from these areas cultured on ordinary blood agar plates. It was found that the prevalence of beta hemolytic streptococci on the gingiva was approx. the same as upon the mucosa of the throat (6% and 10%, respectively). However, the same person seldom (in only 30% of the positive plates) showed positive cultures from both gingiva and throat at the same time.