A Survey of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in Oral Cavity in Baan Nong Bua Villagers, Suphanburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax are protozoan parasites in oral cavity. Many case reports support their roles in periodontal diseases and unusual infection of many organs such as lung. To survey of prevalence of E. gingivalis in oral cavity of Baan Nong Bua villager, Suphanburi province, we collected a total of 95 dental plaque samples. E. gingivalis and T. tenax trophozoites were examined under light microscope by Gomori’s trichrome and Giemsa staining, respectively. All samples were then confirmed by detection of E. gingivalis and T. tenax small subunit ribosomal RNA using polymerase chain reaction. This study revealed a total 9 dental plaque samples (9.5%) were positive for E. gingivalis and only one sample (1.1%) was positive for T. tenax. The prevalence rates of E. gingivalis and T. tenax were lower than the previous study in Thailand of 40 years ago. It indicates the improvement of oral hygiene of Thai people. Sex, age, previous diseases, and risk factors did not contribute to rates of infection (p>0.05). However, the diagnosis and treatment are still needed for both parasites. Further studies on a potential etiological role of them in periodontal disease and infection of some organs are essential.