The ecological catastrophe of oral diseases: a possible link between periodontitis and protozoa

D Lauritano, L Lo Muzio, R M Gaudio, L Lo Russo, D Mucchi, G M Nardi, L Scapoli

Article ID: 6620
Vol 30, Issue 2S1, 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/jbrha6620
Received: 9 July 2016; Accepted: 9 July 2016; Available online: 9 July 2016; Issue release: 9 July 2016

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the prevalent diseases in the adult population. The ethiology of PD has never been completely understood, however, loss of balance between the host immune system and the microbial virulence of PD pathogens may be considered the trigger of PD. In fact, the immune system, activated by microbiological agents, attacks the host and not the biofilm bacteria, causing the destruction of periodontal tissue, alveolar bone and loss of teeth. Parasites may play an important role in the pathology of PD. The first studied and the most common parasite in the oral cavity is Entamoeba gingivalis. A possible link between E. gingivalis and PD has never been demonstrated completely, however E. gingivalis is infrequently found in people without PD. In addition, there is evidence that E. gingivalis could favour the onset and progression of PD. In conclusion, we can assert that E. gingivalis and PD may be correlated. This relationship can open new therapeutical approaches for treating PD, particularly in cases refractory to therapy.


Keywords

periodontal disease;Entamoeba gingivalis;parasites;protozoa;immune system


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