The occurrence of Entamoeba gingivalis among patients with periodontal disease

Abstract

According to some studies, the Entamoeba gingivalis colonizing the gingival tissue is an important agent in bringing about periodontitis. Other studies, however, deem it an opportunist that is able to survive in the medium induced by periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis infection in patients from the Department of Periodontology, and compare this population with that of healthy people, so as to analyze the relationships between infection and patient sex and age. The result of this work is that in both groups, a correlation (p = 0,19) has been noted between the occurrence of amoebae and other diseases in the oral cavity. Indeed, 81,4% of all patients with some periodontal disease showed the presence of amoeba. Among those who are not afflicted with oral diseases, the presence of amoeba was indicated in 62,5% of the total. In addition, a correlation between the person's age and the presence of protozoa (p = 0,15) was strongly marked among women (p = 0,19). In the three age groups of women in this study (40-49, 60-69, and above 80 years), we observed a 100% presence of protozoa.Our study leads us to the conclusion that infections with Entamoeba gingivalis should be regarded as an factor that is associated with the pathological changes occurring in patients with periodontal diseases.

Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in Periodontal Disease

“…The occurrence of E. gingivalis and T. tenax has been reported to be related to sex [25] with both parasites more common in male than female [54] though a study has reported E. gingivalis to be strongly marked in women than men [85]. Men have also been reported to be less careful and less regular in practicing oral hygiene measures [32].…”

Structural and Genetic Diversity of Entamoeba gingivalis Trophozoites Isolated from Diseased and Healthy Periodontal Sites

“…Very few published scientific studies relied on the specific parasitological parameters to identify the oral protozoan microscopically, yet nearly all of them confirmed its high occurrence within progressive periodontal pockets and from 0 to 26% within healthy periodontal sites [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24]. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, all these articles neglected the difference in morphological characteristics between the detected trophozoites among the diseased and healthy periodontal sites, except in a study which reported detailed information, yet not specifically in relation to the different conditions [24].…”

Case Report: Cervicovaginal Co-Colonization with Entamoeba gingivalis and Entamoeba polecki in Association with an Intrauterine Device

“…Entamoeba gingivalis is an amoeba of the human oral cavity associated with, but not proven to cause, periodontal disease. 3 A recent study found a prevalence of 23.8% carriage in those without periodontal disease, gingivitis, or caries; 34.3% in those with periodontal disease (without caries); and 40.0% in those with no history of periodontal disease, but presently undergoing orthodontic treatment. 4 This species is unique among the human-infecting Entamoeba spp.…”