First molecular detection of Entamoeba gingivalis subtypes in individuals from Turkey

Entamoeba gingivalis is a parasitic protozoan that colonizes the human oral cavity and there are two subtypes (ST1 and ST2) that have been identified to date. However, there are no reports on the molecular detection or characterization of E. gingivalis in Turkey. The objective of this study was to detect the presence of E. gingivalis in Turkish healthy individuals and those with periodontal disease and to subtype the isolates using molecular techniques. Samples from the oral cavity of 94 individuals were taken and the presence of E. gingivalis was determined by PCR using primers for SsrRNA and the amplicons were then confirmed by DNA sequencing. Each participant completed a questionnaire that included demographic data, habits and lifestyle, as well as health status. The presence of E. gingivalis was detected in a total of 19 samples (11 patients and eight healthy individuals). Molecular characterization determined that 12 samples belonged to ST1 and seven samples belonged to ST2. The presence of E. gingivalis was higher in patients with periodontal disease than in healthy individuals, and this association was statistically significant (P < .05). This study constitutes the first report of molecular detection and subtyping of E. gingivalis in Turkey.