Evaluation of Prevalance of Oral Entamoeba Gingivalis and Trichomonas Tenax

Objectives:Parasitic infection is one the most common infections in different socities.It is thought that two types of parasites could be responsible for oral parasitic infections,Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax.A few attemps have been made in order to evaluate oral parasitic infection,presence about which many dentists are not aware.This study was designed to evaluate the prevalance of parasitic infection in oral cavity.

Methods:In this study ,50 patients with periodontal disease(23-42 y/o) as our study group and 50 healthy patients (19-35 y/o)as the control group were selected.They filled in the consent form and a questionaire which involved questons about their general health,smoking and use of antibiotics in the last 6 months.In the study group ,saliva by sterile swab and gingival crevicular fluid by paper points and plaques and calculi by sterile curet and scaler were collected.In the control group saliva and gingival crevicular fluid was collected to be sent for labratory study.Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:In the study group 9 patients (%18) were infected.6 patients (%66.7)had Entamoeba gingivalis and 3 patients(%33.3)had Trichomonas tenax. 7 patients had mobile teeth ,one patient was smoker and 5 patients had a history of antibiotic usage.In the control group,only one patient (%2)was infected with E.g without any history of smoking and antibiotic consumption.

Conclusions:Parasitic infection are relatively common in patients with periodontal disease .It seems that following oral hygiene instructions is essential in the control of this infection.