Entamoeba gingivalis
Entamoeba gingivalis is an opportunistic Amoebozoa (reported by some as an effect of disease; not a cause [hence status as a commensal]) and is the first amoeba in humans to be described.
| Entamoeba gingivalis | |
|---|---|
| Entamoeba gingivalis from periodontal pocket | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Phylum: | Amoebozoa |
| Family: | Entamoebidae |
| Genus: | Entamoeba |
| Species: | E. gingivalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Entamoeba gingivalis Gros, 1849 | |
It is found in the mouth inside the gingival pocket biofilm near the base of the teeth, and in periodontal pockets. Entamoeba gingivalis is found in 95% of people with gum disease and rarely in people with healthy gums. Cyst formation is not present; therefore transmission is direct from one person to another by kissing, or by sharing eating utensils. Only the trophozoites are formed and the size is usually 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers in diameter. Entamoeba gingivalis have pseudopodia that allow them to move quickly and phagocytise the nucleus of polynuclear neutrophils by exonucleophagy in periodontal disease. Their spheroid nucleus is 2 micrometers to 4 micrometers in diameter and contains a small central endosome. There are numerous food vacuoles, which consists mostly of phagocitised PMN nucleus, blood cells, and bacteria. It also causes pyorrhoea.