Parasitological and molecular study of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in children from Lorestan Province, Iran

Oral and dental hygiene plays an important role in the health and well-being of our bodies. Failure to apply basic measures to maintain oral and dental hygiene not only damages the health of teeth and gums but can also greatly increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax are reported as anaerobic parasites detected in the human mouth. These parasites are transmitted across saliva, contaminated food containers, drinking water, and or other tools. Since the observance of personal hygiene and discipline in taking care of oral and dental health is less in children and this affects their performance in school and their success in the future, we aimed to evaluate a parasitological and molecular survey of E. gingivalis and T. tenax among children (2 to 15 years) in Lorestan province, in Western Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from October 2021 to October 2022 on 660 children (aged 2–15 years) referred to health centers of Lorestan province, Iran. The total prevalence of the parasites was 108 (16.4%) and 117 (17.7%) by microscopic and PCR, respectively. No meaningful association was reported among age (P=0.716), gender (P=0.289), parent education (P=0.812), tooth brushing (P=0.170), and prevalence of these parasites in children. Conversely, a significant association was reported among settling in rural districts (P=0.002), mouthwash (P=0.001), and the prevalence of these parasites in children. By multivariate test, settling in rural districts (P=0.007) and mouthwash (P 0.001) were considerably linked with the rate of these parasites. We found a significant prevalence of these parasites in children in Lorestan province, Western Iran, indicating that dentists as well as children’s parents should pay special attention to oral health strategies in children.