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 .

Ingested RBC

Pseudopod Cytoplasm
Ingested food particle
Ingested
Leukocyte
Central
Karyosome
Even
Peripheral
Chromati
n

Fig. ( 9 ) :Entamoeba gingvalis trophozoite

Table (1) : Entamoba gingivalis trophozoite : Typical characteristics

Size range 8 to 20 m
Motility Active / varying pseudopod appearance
Number of nuclei One
Karyosome Centraly located
Peripheral chromatin Evenly distributed
Cytoplasm Finely granular
Cytoplasmic inclusions Ingested red blood cells, Lukocytes ,
Epithelial cells , Bacteria
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.