Molecular Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of  Parasites in Oral Cavity of Children with Malignancies in  Western Iran

Fahimeh  Kooshki; Amal Khudair  Khalaf; Hossein  Mahmoudvand; Parastoo  Baharvand; Faezeh Gandomi  Rouzbahani; Behnoush  Selahbarzin

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13755

Fahimeh Kooshki Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Amal Khudair Khalaf Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
Hossein Mahmoudvand Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Parastoo Baharvand Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Faezeh Gandomi Rouzbahani Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Behnoush Selahbarzin Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13755

Keywords: Entamoeba gingivalis; Trichomonas tenax; Mouthwash; Malignancy

Abstract

Background: This survey was designed to study the molecular epidemiology and risk factors of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in children with underlying malignancies and those on chemotherapy in Lorestan province, West of Iran.

Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on children who suffering from different types of malignancies or receiving treatment by chemotherapy referring to oncology section of hospitals of Lorestan Province, Iran during May 2021 to April 2022. The frequency of oral cavity protozoa was investigated using microscopic and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: E. gingivalis and T. tenax parasites were found in 23 (25.5%) by microscopic method and 28 (31.1%) using PCR in children with malignancy. Among positive samples, 20 (71.4%) were infected with E. gingivalis; whereas 8 (28.6%) of the participants were positive for T. tenax. In the multivariate model, living in rural regions (OR= 3.437; 95% CI= 1.22-9.63; p=0.019) and using mouthwash (OR= 0.082; 95% CI= 0.018-0.37; p<0.001) were significantly related with the frequency of oral cavity parasites.

Conclusion: Our results showed the high frequency of oral cavity parasites in children who suffering malignancies or receiving treatment by chemotherapy in Lorestan province, Iran. The awareness of the main risk factors for oral cavity parasites particularly using mouthwash is necessary in improving public and oral health strategies in children with cancer. Consequently, oncologist and dental practitioners must be aware to identify and manage oral health concerns in in children who suffering from different types of malignancies to prevent the oral diseases and infections.