A Case Control Study to Assess Frequency, Risk Factors and Genetic Diversity of Entamoeba gingivalis.

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis subtypes ST1 and ST2 kamaktli in dental plaque samples from individuals referred to Shokri Dental Hospital in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

Fifty-three participants were selected for each group (periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy control), resulting in a total of 159 dental plaque samples. The participants completed a questionnaire to assess risk factors for Entamoeba gingivalis infection. Total genomic DNA was extracted via a commercial kit. Entamoeba gingivalis subtypes were characterized using nested PCR and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis was 17.6% (28/159). The periodontitis group had the highest prevalence (28.3%, 15/53), followed by gingivitis (17.0%, 9/53) and healthy individuals (7.5%, 4/53). Statistical analysis revealed that the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis was significantly greater in periodontal patients than in healthy individuals (p = 0.045). A lower level of education (p = 0.007) and lack of dental flossing (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with higher prevalence. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing identified Entamoeba gingivalis ST1 in 75% (21/28) and ST2-Kamaktli variants in 25% (7/28) of positive samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher Entamoeba gingivalis prevalence in periodontal disease suggests it may contribute to oral pathologies. Understanding risk factors like flossing can enhance prevention and treatment.