Entamoeba gingivalis infection among college students in Tangshan

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis infection in college students in Tangshan,and analyze the relationship between the infection and human behaviors.Methods 551 students of grades 1-3 from six colleges in Tangshan received questionnairing,which covered the oral health state,teeth-brushing,xylitol gum-chewing,diet fondness,and smoking.Specimens were taken from the tooth surface of the lesion or fouling materials by using disinfected toothpicks and the smears were observed microscopically to examine Entamoeba gingivalis infection.Results The prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis infection was 28.3%(156/551),30.4%(55/181) and 24.6% in males and females(91/370) respectively(χ 2=2.09,P0.05).The prevalence in students with or without oral disorders was 41.2%(84/204) and 20.8%(72/347) respectively,with a significant statistical difference(χ 2=26.41,P0.01);it was 22.5%(53/236) and 32.7%(103/315) among students who cleaned their teeth regularly or irregularly(χ 2=6.97,P 0.01);it was 18.3%(17/93) and 30.4%(139/458) among those usually with or without chewing xylitol gum(χ2=5.55,P 0.05).Conclusion Entamoeba gingivalis infection is common in the college students in Tangshan and it has a close relation to the oral hygiene habits and the presence of oral disorders.