Entamoeba gingivalis
Trophozoite
The trophozoite of Entamoeba gingvalis ranges in size from 8 to 20 ?m and morphologically resembles that of E. histolytica Entamoeba gingivalis trophzoites characteristically exhibit active motility . The multiple pseudopods vary in their appearance as the trophozoite moves . The pseudopods may appear long when seen at one point in time and short and blunt the next time they are seen . The single nucleus contains a central karyosome surrounded by peripheral chromatine that is for the most part fine and evenly distributed . Achromatic granules arranged in strands may be visible extending from the karyosome to the peripheral chromatin ring . Anumber of inclusions are typically found in the finely granular cytoplasm , including : food vacuoles containing phagocytosed and partially digested white blood cells ( leukocytes ) and epithelial cells of the host , bacteria , and ingested RBCs . It is important to note that E. gingivalis is the only ameba that ingests white blood cells . This distinguishing characteristic is helpful when it is necessary to differentiate E. gingivalis from E. histolytica .
Life cycle
Entamoeba gingivalis, as the name implies typically lives around the gumline of the teeth in the tartar and gingval pokets of unhealthy muouths. In addition, the E. gingivalis trophozoites have been known to inhabit the tonsillar crypts and the bronchial mucus. it is particularly important to diagnose E. gingivalis and E. histolytica correctly because both organisms may be found in the sputum and in pulmonary abscesses . E. gingivalis may also be found in the mouths of individuals who practice good oral hygiene . Existing as a scavenger, the E. gingivalis trophozoites feed on disintegrated cells and multiply by binary fission .
Clinical symptoms
Infections of E. gingivalis occurring both in the mouth and in the genital tract typically produce no symptoms. Nonpathogenic E. gingivalis trophozoites are frequently recovered in-patients suffering from pyorrhea alveolaris.
Laboratory diagnosis
Examining mouth scrapings particularly from the gingival area may best make an accurate diagnosis of E. gingivalis trophozoites. Material from the tonsillar crypts and pulmonary abscess as well as sputum may also be examined.