Oral cavity condition and the occurrence of parasitic protozoans in patients with genetic diseases

Twenty five women (21 to 50 years old) with genetic diseases (phenylketonur ia, Down's syndrome, achondroplasia, epilepsy), patients of the II Maxillo- Facial Surgery Clinic of the Medical University of Warsaw, were examined fo r the pre-treatment status of the oral cavity and the occurrence of oral pr otozoans, Entamoeba gingivalis and/or Trichomonas tenax. On the basis of th e clinical characteristics and light and transmission electron microscopic examination, relationship between periodontal condition and presence of the oral protozoans were analysed and actors which may play the main role in t he maintenance of the infection in these patients were determined. The high est prevalence of infection with E. gingivalis and T. tenax was noted in th e 41-50 year age group in which more than 88% of the patients were infected . In 11 among of 20 of the cases with periodontal disease, infection with T . tenax, and/or E. gingivalis occurred. In 10 among of 16 of the individual s with limited mobility the oral protozoans was present. Our studies indica te that age as well as limited mobility of the patients examined resulting in difficulties with maintaining of good hygiene of oral cavity may play an important role in occurrence of infection with the oral protozoans and inf lammatory processes in gingiva and periodontium.