Question

The disease caused by Entamoeba gingivalis is spread through
A. Air
B. Kissing
C. Housefly
D. Anopheles

Answer 1

Hint: 95% of people suffering from gum disease shows the presence of Entamoeba gingivalis while it is rarely found in the gums of healthy individuals.

Complete Answer:
Option A: Air is responsible for all the microdroplet related infections. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option B: Entamoeba gingivalis is part of our normal oral microbiota. People suffering from poor oral hygiene or those with gingival diseases show a high count of these microbes.
- Rather, they are the normal inhabitants of the gingival tissues that surround our teeth and gums.
- A swab taken from the gingival pocket biofilm surrounding the base of our teeth as well as the periodontal pockets may show the presence of high counts of this parasite. Labelled as non-pathogenic parasites, the Entamoeba gingivalis feed on the nutrients present within the epithelial tissues within our mouth, the bacteria, and the food debris.
- A poor oral hygiene results in exponential increase in the counts of bacteria and food debris, ultimately serving as a nutrient bed for the saprophytic parasites.
- There is a certain level of indication that the Entamoeba gingivalis is pathogenic to certain extent and abounds in all those individuals displaying unhealthy oral conditions such as periodontitis or gingivitis.
- It usually does not produce cysts and is spread either by direct kissing or via trophozoite contaminated chewing gum, food stuff, toothpastes, etc. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option C: Houseflies are responsible for the spread of enteric and eye infections. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Anopheles is responsible for the spread of malaria. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Note: These organisms possess pseudopodia which facilitates their quick movement thereby aiding the process of phagocytosis of the polynuclear neutrophils' nucleus in periodontal disease.