The Prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in Relation to Periodontal Disease among Patients Attending Dental Clinics in Urmia, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in relation to periodontitis in Urmia, Northwestern Iran, in 2022.

METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from 133 patients and analyzed using microscopic and molecular techniques to identify parasites. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Chi-square and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

42.1% of patients were infected with E. gingivalis and 11.3% with T. tenax. In comparison, microscopic diagnosis identified only 1.5% and 0.8% of patients infected, respectively. This highlights the increased sensitivity of molecular methods for parasite detection. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the presence of these parasites (identified by the molecular method) and several factors. Male patients had a significantly higher prevalence of E. gingivalis infection (P=0.037). Additionally, a history of diabetes (P=0.011) and cardiovascular diseases (P=0.021) was associated with a higher prevalence of E. gingivalis. The highest prevalence of E. gingivalis was observed in the 41-50-year age group (15 cases). Importantly, both E. gingivalis and T. tenax were significantly more prevalent in patients with severe periodontitis (P=0.003, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of E. gingivalis compared to T. tenax in the oral cavity, suggesting its potentially greater role in periodontal disease, particularly among individuals with specific risk factors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise contribution of these parasites to periodontitis, identify additional risk factors, and develop improved diagnostic and treatment approaches.