When initial cariogenic bacteria are acquired from the mother (greater than 70%), what is this mode of transmission called?

When initial cariogenic bacteria are acquired from the mother (greater than 70%), what is this mode of transmission called?

• A. Horizontal transmission
• B. Vertical transmission
• C. Environmental transmission
• D. Genetic transmission

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how cariogenic bacteria are passed from parent to child. When the infant’s initial colonization with cariogenic bacteria comes predominantly from the mother (more than 70%), this is vertical transmission. Vertical transmission means transmission from parent to offspring, often through close contact and exchange of saliva—such as kissing, sharing utensils, or other caregiving interactions that occur early in life. In dental caries, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans are commonly acquired from the mother, which is why this route is described as vertical transmission. This differs from horizontal transmission (between individuals of the same generation, like siblings or peers), environmental transmission (via contaminated surfaces or surroundings), or genetic transmission (inherited host genes rather than the bacteria themselves).

The concept being tested is how cariogenic bacteria are passed from parent to child. When the infant’s initial colonization with cariogenic bacteria comes predominantly from the mother (more than 70%), this is vertical transmission. Vertical transmission means transmission from parent to offspring, often through close contact and exchange of saliva—such as kissing, sharing utensils, or other caregiving interactions that occur early in life. In dental caries, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans are commonly acquired from the mother, which is why this route is described as vertical transmission. This differs from horizontal transmission (between individuals of the same generation, like siblings or peers), environmental transmission (via contaminated surfaces or surroundings), or genetic transmission (inherited host genes rather than the bacteria themselves).