Molecular detection of Entamoeba gingivalis among periodontitis and gingivitis patients by singleplex polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is classically characterized by progressive destruction of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontal complex, mediated by an interplay between dysbiotic microbial communities and aberrant immune responses within gingival and periodontal tissues. It is being recorded as public health problems. Objective: The aim of study is to detect Entamoeba gingivalis parasite in the oral cavity of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis by using molecular technique with singleplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with periodontal diseases (periodontitis and gingivitis) were enrolled in the current study. Samples of dental plaque were collected from each patient and stained with Giemsa stain and studied under a microscope. Six samples were selected to be examined by using singleplex PCR technique for the detection of 18S-the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) gene with 203 bp and comparing the results. Results: This result showed a high significant prevalence of E. gingivalis in dental plaque samples in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. About 46 (46%) samples were positive by microscope examination. In comparison, six positive samples (3 men and 3 women) were selected for parasitic investigation by singleplex PCR and the results of PCR with specific primers designed for the detection of 18S SSU rDNA gene of (203 bp) showed positive results for the six samples. Conclusion: It was concluded that E. gingivalis had a prevalence among male patients than female patients. In addition, singleplex PCR is the technique of choice for the detection of the target sequence of DNA.