Domain Eukarya Rank Species | Genus Trichomonas Class Parabasalia | |
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Similar Pentatrichomonas hominis, Trichomonas, Entamoeba gingivalis, Trichomonadida, Chilomastix mesnili | ||
Periodontitis trichomonas tenax pathogen dr mark bonner
Trichomonas tenax, or oral trichomonas, is a species of trichomonas commonly found in the oral cavity of humans, dogs and cats. Routine hygiene is generally not sufficient to eliminate the parasite, hence its Latin name, meaning "tenacious". The parasite is frequently located in periodontal infections, affecting more than 50% of the population in some areas, but it is usually considered inane. Trichomonas tenax is not found on healthy gums. Its presence in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (In French, GUN) and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (In French, PUN) make it a possible pathogen, worsening the periodontal disease. This parasite is also present in some chronic lung diseases where recovery is brought by removing it (Mussaev 1976). In the same way recovery is achieved by the removal of both, Trichomonas tenax and the amoeba Entamoeba gingivalis.
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Almost 90% of advanced periodontal disease has been reported to be found in San Quentin prison at the beginning of the last century. Conditions such as proximity and multiple contacts combined, possibly accompanied by deficient diets seemed responsible for the disproportionate rate. Age is also an important factor (Kofoid and al.1929) and intense inflammation is characteristic.
It is the smallest of the three Trichomonas, 12-20 µm long and 5-6 µm wide, and has a long axostyle and tail, 4 anterior flagella and a recurrent flagellum raising an undulating membrane to two third of the body. It may occasionally appear larger, recalling trichomonas vaginalis. In this specific case, the confirmation of an oral or vaginal parasite should be confirmed since transmission of this kind of parasite most often result of direct contact of mucous membranes.
On very agile appearance, undulating membrane almost seems like small legs.
It lives in the dental calculus, the infected gum disease and purulent tonsillar crypts. T. tenax could be involved in the degradation of periodontal tissue by secretion of various substances such as alkaline phosphatase, and the fibronectin cathepsine as vaginalis. Trichomonas tenax fulfills the requisite of a parasite, causing damage to different mammalian cells and behaving similarly to Trichomonas vaginalis when in contact with target cells in vitro. It has no cysts and is transmitted directly from vegetative form.
Trichomonas tenax can easily be detected by phase contrast microscopy on a fresh mounted smear of periodontal pocket biofilm infection. Preparation must be made on patient salivary medium to prevent warping as running water or saline could provide.