Bacteriocin typing of Streptococcus mutans strains isolated from family groups.

Specific identification of strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from family groups has been accomplished by a bacteriocin typing method. A common Strep. mutans type was found within most families and although the actual source of infection appeared to vary from family to family, the study supports the concept of intrafamiliar transfer of this potentially cariogenic organism.