Mouth amoeba: what is it, symptoms and treatment. Mouth amoeba Intestinal amoeba. Entamoeba coli

The gingival amoeba or Entamoeba gingivalis is found throughout the world. This tiny representative of the protozoan infected most of the population of developed and developing countries. Experts were able to identify that the number of infected Entamoeba gingivalis increases with age.

Of the 6 species of amoeba that have been found in humans, only one representative is dangerous - Entamoeba hystolytica, which causes a serious disease of amoebic dysentery.

Entamoeba gingivalis lives between teeth and in gum pockets. This amoeba does not cause significant harm to the host. But researchers suggest that it is associated with periodontitis and gingivitis.

Exposure occurs by ingestion of substances on which these organisms are present. Thus, you can become infected through drinking water or food. They become infected due to ingestion of feces from the host organism. Another route of oral amoeba transmission is oral contact.

Description

In a unicellular trophozoite, one can distinguish between an outer transparent ectoplasm and an inner granular endoplasm. In a stationary state, the outer shell is almost invisible, but in a mobile state, the ectoplasm looks like a thick layer containing about half the volume of an actively moving creature.

The endoplasm is granular and filled with floating food particles. It also contains vacuoles that contain rounded bodies. They originate mainly from the nuclei of degenerate epithelial cells, lymphocytes and sometimes leukocytes.

Endoplasm contains one small nucleus. It has a spherical shape and in the uncolored state is usually imperceptible. The moderately thick nuclear membrane contains unevenly distributed small masses of chromatin. Inside the nucleus, in the center, there is a karyosome, from which thin radiating fibrils extend to the peripheral ring.

Reproduction of the oral amoeba is carried out by simple division of the nucleus. The cyst stage during the life cycle is not seen. The trophozoite is unable to survive outside the host organism.

Pathology

The main activity of the oral amoeba in the infected gingival sulcus, apart from movement, is the absorption of white blood cell nuclei. Like scavengers, E. gingivalis does not disdain particles of destroyed cells. This amoeba also eats bacteria, but they are not an important food source for it.

Having found a leukocyte, it penetrates the cytoplasm to get closer to the cell nucleus. The amoeba literally sucks its contents with the help of the negative pressure of the pseudopod. The food swallowed in this way is gradually digested inside the endoplasm. Phagocytosis can sometimes involve more than 20 polycyclic neutrophil nuclei.

A denucleated cell will not be able to achieve its programmed apoptosis. It begins to release PMN-uncontrolled proteolytic enzymes to the surrounding tissues and can be considered as a pathogen.

Like the previous one, it exists only in the form of vegetative forms, cysts are unknown.

Native smears with saline or saliva of the subject are prepared from scrapings of plaque in the area of ​​​​the necks of the teeth (preferably large molars), from the discharge of gum pockets or other pathological secretions that may contain these amoebas - pus from the maxillary sinuses, palatine tonsils, lung abscesses, bronchiectatic sacs, pleural cavities, from purulent sputum, etc.

P. Amoebas, ranging in size from 8 to 30 microns (more often - 8-15 microns), stand out in smears among the abundant microflora and leukocytes (the so-called salivary bodies) with greater light refraction, large size and active mobility. They produce wide ectoplasmic pseudopodia, like the translucent forms of the dysenteric amoeba, with which they are very similar. In the digestive vacuoles of amoebas, phagocytosed bacteria are noticeable, larger, greenish in color, leukocytes at different stages of digestion, sometimes erythrocytes. The nucleus without color is not visible.

In permanent preparations, the sizes of amoebae do not change significantly, amounting to 6-30 microns (usually 11.5-15.5 microns). Ectoplasmic pseudopodia and division of the body into ectoplasm and endoplasm are usually preserved (see Fig. 13, 1). In preparations from inflammatory exudates with periodontal disease, stomatitis, gingivitis, large accumulations of amoebae around colonies of bacteria and fungi are often seen. In the cytoplasm of amoebae, large, round or more often irregularly shaped, sometimes fragmented inclusions are found (often in large quantities), stained with hematoxylin in a dark color, like erythrocytes in the body of dysenteric amoebae. These are indigestible remnants of the nuclear substance of leukocytes, which feed on gingival amoebae. Among them, there may be individual erythrocytes. There are also phagocytosed bacteria, fungi, and food detritus in larger or smaller quantities.

In the oral cavity of healthy people, amoebas feed mainly on bacteria. The vesicular nucleus, 1.7-6.7 microns in size (the average is about 3 microns), combines the structural features of the nucleus of dysenteric and intestinal amoebas: the pentagonal karyosome is more often located in the center, and the peripheral chromatin under the nuclear membrane forms clumps of unequal size and shape, sometimes sickle-shaped clusters.

Entamoeba gingivalis Gros, 1849

mouth amoeba(lat. Entamoeba gingivalis) is a representative of the protozoa sub-kingdom (Protozoa), which is found in carious teeth in more than 25% of healthy people.

Exists only in the form of a trophozoite (vegetative form). The sizes range from 6 to 60 microns. It feeds on tartar-forming bacteria and cellular debris. The cytoplasm is clearly divided into two layers, where phagocytosed bacteria can be seen at different stages of digestion; when bleeding from the gums, the oral amoeba can also capture erythrocytes. Never takes up lymphocytes, which is considered a differential difference from the dysenteric amoeba Entamoeba histolytica, especially when co-sputum isolates from patients with pulmonary amoebic abscesses. Cyst does not form. The nucleus of a living amoeba is not visualized. The movement is slow, the prolegs are wide.

It is often distinguished in smears from gum pockets with an inflammatory-dystrophic form of periodontitis.

Transmission route- alimentary. Infection occurs through dirty water, unwashed vegetables and fruits.

Diagnostics- detection of trophozoites in the scraping of carious teeth and sputum.

Prevention includes maintaining oral hygiene, boiling water, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .

See what "Mouth Amoeba" is in other dictionaries:

- (cavum oris), anterior digestive. tract, beginning with the mouth opening and passing into the pharynx, and in its absence, into the esophagus. With R. of the item of invertebrates special are quite often connected. adaptations: piercing and cutting formations in free-living ... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

Anterior alimentary canal in animals and humans; begins with the mouth opening and passes into the pharynx (in the absence of it into the esophagus). Participates in the processes of respiration, food processing and in the act of speech (in humans) ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

I The oral cavity (cavum oris) is the initial section of the digestive tract; it opens anteriorly through the oral fissure, communicates with the pharynx posteriorly. In the formed organism, the oral opening and the oral cavity are included in the concept of "mouth". Oral opening oral ... ... Medical Encyclopedia

The anterior part of the digestive tract, starting with the mouth opening and passing into the pharynx (in its absence, directly into the esophagus). R. p. in animals develops wholly or partially from the invagination of the ectoderm from the foregut. With R... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Anterior alimentary canal in animals and humans; begins with the mouth opening and passes into the pharynx (in the absence of it into the esophagus). Participates in the processes of respiration, food processing and in the act of speech (in humans). * * * ORAL CAVITY… … encyclopedic Dictionary

The anterior digestive tract. canal in animals and humans; begins with the mouth opening and passes into the pharynx (in the absence of it into the esophagus). Participates in the processes of respiration, food processing and in the act of speech (in humans). The human oral cavity: 1 ... ... Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary

This page needs a major overhaul. It may need to be wikified, expanded, or rewritten. Explanation of reasons and discussion on the Wikipedia page: For improvement / November 15, 2012. Date of setting for improvement November 15, 2012 ... Wikipedia

- (regio oralis, PNA, BNA, JNA; syn. region of the mouth) an area of ​​​​the face bounded from above by a horizontal line drawn through the base of the webbed part of the nasal septum, from below by the chin-labial groove, from the sides by nasolabial grooves ... Big Medical Dictionary

- (cavum oris) see the oral cavity ... Big Medical Dictionary

A narrow slit at the head end of the embryo, bounded by five processes of gill arches (unpaired frontal and paired maxillary and mandibular) ... Big Medical Dictionary

The main property of all amoebas is the absence of a dense cell wall, which in protozoa plays the role of an external skeleton. Amoeboid means soft, plastic, easily changing shape. This animal releases short pseudopodia when at rest. In a light microscope, you can see how it moves, forming wide pseudopods. Amoeba feed on leukocytes (neutrophils), bacteria, yeast-like fungi and dying cells of the oral epithelium. They capture small objects, surrounding them with pseudopods, and absorb, forming a digestive vacuole. When meeting with a leukocyte, the protozoan penetrates into it and selectively phagocytizes the nucleus.

Structure

The oral amoeba is small in size from 10 to 25 microns. Outside, it is surrounded by a plasma membrane. The cytoplasm is divided into an outer layer - ectoplasm and an inner part - endoplasm. Ectoplasm has a viscous granular structure. The more liquid endoplasm contains one nucleus and many digestive vacuoles. Large vacuoles include the nuclear material of leukocytes at various stages of digestion. Small granular vacuoles contain fragments of bacteria, fungi and detritus of epithelial cells. Undigested residues are thrown out into human tissues.

In the stained preparation, the oval nucleus is clearly distinguished, separated from the endoplasm by a dense membrane. The pentagonal karyosome contains the genetic material. Along the edges along the nuclear envelope, peripheral chromatin is localized.

Stages of development

The oral amoeba is localized in the cavities of carious teeth, in a white coating, on the palatine tonsils. It has only a vegetative stage of development - a trophozoid, which is not able to exist independently in the external environment. This type of amoeba does not form cysts, which in other types of protozoa contribute to the survival of adverse conditions and usually serve as a source of infection. Distributed E. gingivalis everywhere.

Reproduction of the oral amoeba is carried out asexually using binary fission. Mitosis occurs in the nucleus of the protozoan. The animal's body then splits in two, forming two asexual organisms.

Method of infection

Man is the sole owner of this protozoan. The life cycle is significantly reduced compared to other amoeboids, as it is represented only by the vegetative phase of development.

The oral amoeba is transmitted from person to person with saliva or sputum, through toothbrushes and other household items.

The mouth amoeba is passed from person to person by kissing, sneezing, or coughing.

Infection occurs:

Infection is possible:

• When eating poorly processed fresh vegetables and fruits.
• By drinking unpurified water.

be careful

Among women: pain and inflammation of the ovaries. Fibroma, myoma, fibrocystic mastopathy, inflammation of the adrenal glands, bladder and kidneys develop.

Want to know what to do? For starters, we recommend

Pathogenetic significance of E. gingivalis

However, the opinions of experts on the pathogenetic significance of E. gingivalis differ. It is believed that it contributes to a number of diseases:

• The formation of tartar.
• The development of gingivitis, amphodontosis, periodontal disease and periodontal disease.
• It aggravates the course of chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, osteomyelitis and sinusitis.

The waste products of this protozoan can have a toxic effect on the mucous epithelium and reduce local human immunity.

Oral amoeba is sometimes isolated from the sputum of patients with lung abscesses. In this case, it is important to differentiate it from the more pathogenic dysentery (E. histolytica).

In dystrophic purulent periodontitis, an association of oral Trichomonas (Trichomonas tenax) with an amoeba is often found, which is usually accompanied by bad breath. Mixed infections (amoeboids, Trichomonas, yeast-like fungi) require a differentiated approach to prescribe adequate treatment.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene will help to avoid infection with this protozoan:

• Do not use other people's toothbrushes and shared utensils.
• Brush your teeth with an anti-inflammatory paste, rinse your mouth after eating with antimicrobial solutions of plant origin.
• Visit the dentist regularly.

Laboratory diagnostics is carried out by the method of light microscopy of both native (live) and stained smears from dental plaque, tonsil discharge, sputum and other pathological material.

Self-treatment with antiprotozoal drugs is not recommended, as they have a pronounced toxic effect. Consulting a doctor and observing the rules of personal hygiene will help get rid of this infection.

How can you get infected

Symptoms

With a weakened immune system, the amoeba provokes diseases such as gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis and other pathologies of the oral mucosa. As a rule, such diseases affect children at an early age. Recently, cases of infection with oral amoeba are increasingly recorded in adults.

Stomatitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Exacerbation most often occurs in autumn and winter. You should know that the acute stage occurs against the background of inflammation and swelling of the gums, most often blood oozes at the site of the lesion. During a severe form of the disease, necrotic tissue damage, as well as ulcers, can form. As a rule, the patient experiences pain in the gums, bad breath appears, and an increase in body temperature is possible.

Glossitis

This disease, provoked during the developmental cycle of the oral amoeba, most often appears in adults. Glossitis is characterized by a change in the structure of the language. It becomes soft, enlarges and changes color from pink to burgundy. Patients experience severe burning and pain when swallowing and chewing food. In some cases, the tongue swells so much that it becomes difficult to breathe. The main signs of the disease are considered;

• increased salivation;
• decrease or loss of taste;
• plaque on the tongue;
• bad feeling;
• increased fatigue.

Analyzes

To determine the involvement in the disease of the oral amoeba, laboratory tests are carried out. To do this, take a swab from the oral cavity, as well as scraping from the teeth. After that, a study is carried out under a microscope of biological material. If necessary, a serological test can be additionally carried out.

Treatment

To get rid of the microorganism, you must consult a doctor. After passing all the tests and confirming the presence of an oral amoeba, the specialist prescribes the appropriate therapy. Treatment of the disease includes the use of topical preparations and special rinses. Folk remedies are often used: infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.

Preparations

The duration of treatment depends on personal hygiene during therapy. During the course of treatment, it is necessary to constantly clean the teeth and tongue from plaque. During this period, it is not recommended to eat solid and hot dishes. As medicines use: "Chlorhexidine", a solution of potassium permanganate and "Furacilin".

It must be understood that self-treatment of oral diseases caused by oral amoeba can lead to negative consequences, up to tooth loss. Therefore, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor.

Folk remedies

First recipe. Mix thirty grams of chamomile and sage with twenty grams of celandine and bay leaves, pour boiling water over the mixture and insist for two hours. Use for rinsing the mouth in the morning and evening.

Second recipe. A healing decoction that helps relieve burning sensation: thirty grams of oak bark, calamus root and nettle leaves, pour half a liter of cold water and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for half an hour, then add a tablespoon of sage and strain, after insisting 10 minutes. Rinse your mouth with decoction three times a day.

Third recipe. One tablespoon of colza, eucalyptus leaves and calendula flowers, pour three glasses of water and boil for twenty minutes. After cool. Rinse the mouth with decoction after eating. This remedy has an anti-inflammatory effect.