Association Between Periodontal Status and the Prevalence of Entamoeba Gingivalis and Trichomonas Tenax

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorAbant Izzet Baysal University

About this trial

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of two oral protozoa, Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, among patients attending the Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology. While the oral microbiome typically maintains a delicate balance, disruptions in this ecosystem are thought to trigger periodontal diseases. Recent evidence suggests that these parasites may contribute to increased inflammation and tissue destruction, potentially playing a role in the etiology of gingivitis and periodontitis.

The study will include 120 participants aged 18 and older who meet the inclusion criteria. Following the collection of demographic data and oral hygiene habits via a questionnaire, a single calibrated examiner will perform comprehensive clinical periodontal examinations. Measurements will include plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival recession (GR) based on the 2017 World Workshop Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

To detect the presence of parasites, unstimulated whole saliva samples and subgingival plaque samples from the deepest periodontal pockets will be collected from each participant. These samples will be analyzed immediately at the Parasitology Laboratory using light microscopy (10X and 40X magnification) to identify live trophozoites. By evaluating the relationship between parasite prevalence and periodontal status, this research aims to contribute to the limited literature on oral protozoa in Turkey and increase clinical awareness regarding their impact on oral health.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Participants aged 18 years or older.

Having at least 10 natural teeth.

Willingness to undergo periodontal examination and providing written informed consent.

Includes both periodontally healthy individuals and patients with gingivitis or periodontitis.

Disqualifiers

Use of systemic antibiotics within the last 3 months.

Use of chlorhexidine or similar antiseptic mouthwashes within the last month.

Having received any periodontal treatment within the last 3 months.

Receiving immunosuppressive therapy or having a serious systemic immune deficiency.

Trial population

Patients aged 18 and older who applied to the Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, and met the inclusion criteria.

Trial design

Design model

Other

Time perspective

Cross-sectional

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Clinical Periodontal Evaluation

    Diagnostic test

    Comprehensive periodontal examination including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss measurements using a Williams periodontal probe according to the 2017 World Workshop Classification.

  • Microscopic Examination of Oral Protozoa

    Procedure/Surgery

    Collection of unstimulated saliva and subgingival plaque samples followed by immediate light microscopy examination (10X and 40X magnification) to detect the presence and frequency of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax trophozoites.

Treatment groups

120 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups
Group A: Periodontally Healthy2 interventions
Group B: Gingivitis2 interventions
Group C: Periodontitis2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax

The presence or absence of live trophozoites of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax will be determined through light microscopic examination (10X and 40X magnification) of saliva and subgingival plaque samples. The outcome will be reported as the percentage (%) of participants testing positive for each parasite within the different periodontal health groups.

Time frame
Baseline (at the time of clinical examination and sample collection, typically within 1 hour).

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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