Genetic Exchange Between Oral Streptococci During Mixed Growth

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Abstract
To determine whether oral streptococci might exchange genetic information in the oral cavity, paired transformable strains of Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis and S. milleri were grown together. Chromosomal and plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance markers could be readily transferred from S. mutans GS-5 to S. milleri NCTC 10707 or S. sanguis Challis during mixed growth. No exchange from the latter 2 organisms to strain GS-5 could be detected under these conditions. The transfer of genetic information from S. sanguis to S. milleri was also observed.