Incidence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in samples of dental biofilm and saliva from

Objective This study analyzed the incidence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in samples of dental biofilm and saliva from patients with gingivitis / periodontitis and in healthy subjects. Methods Biofilm and saliva samples were taken from 20 patients with gingivitis, 22 with periodontitis and 9 healthy individuals. They were spread on sterile Petri dishes, diluted with saline and examined with a light microscope. Salivary pH was determined by universal pH indicators trips. The chi-square test was used to determine significance (p<0.05). Results Almost one-third (31.37%) (50% from gingivitis and 50% from periodontitis) of the biofilm samples and 35.29% (39% from gingivitis and 61% from periodontitis) of the saliva samples were positive for Entamoeba gingivalis. Trichomonas tenax was found in 22.53% of the biofilm samples (16.66% from gingivitis, 41.67% from periodontitis and 41.67% from healthy patients) and 9.81% of the saliva samples (20% from gingivitis, 40% from periodontitis and 40% from healthy patients).The presence of these microorganisms was related to the type of periodontal disease (p=0.001), but not with age (p=0.178) or risk factors (p=0.194). Conclusion These findings suggest that Entamoeba gingivalis more common in the early stages of periodontitis, while Trichomonas tenax is considered a protozoan of the gingival sulcus. However, further studies are needed to determine the relationship between these species and periodontitis. Indexing terms: Gingivitis. Parasitology. Periodontitis.