Prevalence, socio-economic, and associated risk factors of oral cavity parasites in children with intellectual disability from Lorestan province, Iran.

Introduction: Children with intellectual disability (ID) often face challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene due to their motor, sensory, and intellectual impairments, which can lead to compromised oral health; therefore, there is a need to enhance the oral health status of these populations and establish an effective system for administering preventive interventions. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax among children with ID in Lorestan province, in Western Iran through parasitological and molecular methods. Methods: The current descriptive investigation involved 215 in children with ID and 215 healthy children (non-ID) who were referred to health facilities in Lorestan province, Iran between October 2022 and March 2024. The prevalence of protozoa in the oral cavity was found through the utilization of both microscopic analysis and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: The total prevalence of the E. gingivalis and T. tenax in children with ID was found to be 87 (40.5%) and 92 (42.8%) through microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among the positive samples, 57 (61.9%) and 35 (38.1%) children tested positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. In contrast, among the 215 non-ID children in the control group, 39 (18.1%) and 42 (19.5%) tested positive by microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among positive samples in non-ID children, 23 (54.7%) and 19 (45.3%) children were positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that residing in urban areas, parental education, monthly family income, and tooth brushing p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for oral cavity parasites. Conclusion: This study identified a notable prevalence of oral cavity parasites in children with ID in Lorestan province, Western Iran. It is imperative to recognize the primary risk factors associated with these parasites, particularly inadequate teeth brushing, in order to enhance public and oral health strategies for children with ID. Therefore, pediatric dental professionals should remain vigilant regarding these risk factors to effectively recognize and address oral health issues in this population, thereby mitigating the occurrence of oral diseases and infections.

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

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.