 |
 |
 |
|
|
Streptococcus gordonii
|
|||
|
|
Streptococcus gordonii is a pioneering colonizer of dental plaque and significant causative bacterium for infective endocarditis. The formation of dental plaque is regulated by complex interactions between the dental surfaces of the host and the surface structures of S. gordonii and other oral bacteria. The basis of the interacting surface structures is highly specific adherence mechanisms controlled by adhesin-receptor partnerships and glucans formed by the glucosyltransferase enzymes. Infective endocarditis often occurs as a result of oral trauma, which enables S. gordonii to invade the bloodstream and colonize heart valves. The ability of S. gordonii to establish an endocarditis infection is likely dependent upon the production of several proteases and other virulence factors. Genetic recombination and transfer of genes encoding adhesins, antibiotic resistance determinants and possible virulence factors between the oral streptococci may be responsible for evolution of adhesins/receptor pairs and development of antibiotic resistance in S. gordonii. Finally, S. gordonii has shown to be an effective antigen-delivery vehicle for vaccine development.
|
