The Life Cycle of Entamoeba Gingivalis

Entamoeba

• Entamoeba gingivalis and all its relatives in the entamoeba family are tiny (microscopic) life forms that are related to the amoeba. Of the six that are often found in humans, only one is believed to cause any serious disease. Entamoeba hystolytica can cause amoebic dysentery. Entamoeba gingivalis, however, lives in the areas between your teeth and is believed to be associated with periodontal disease and gingivitis.It is believed that they reside in the mouth of nearly every adult human.

Exposure

• Exposure to Entamoeba gingivalis comes from ingesting substances that have been exposed to and carry the organisms. That might mean drinking water that carries Entamoeba gingivalis. It might also happen if you eat food that has been contaminated with it. Since the organism is considered to be noninvasive (it doesn't penetrate the host organism) water and food are thought to become contaminated through some exposure to fecal matter from a host organism. Oral contact is another transmission method.

Diet

• Entamoeba gingivalis is thought to eat other microorganisms. Those organisms include bacteria, leukocytes and erythrocytes. In that aspect Entamoeba gingivalis has a symbiotic relationship with the host. In other words, the host provides a home and food for the Entamoeba gingivalis. In turn the microorganism helps to keep the levels of other (potentially harmful) organisms reduced. Looking at it from that point of view, Entamoeba gingivalis is helpful.

Cyst Stage

• Entamoeba gingivalis is like all Entamoeba in that it has two stages in its life cycle. One of those stages is the cyst stage. This stage is also sometimes called the infective stage. That's the time when it is likely to be spread from one host to another. The organism is smaller during this phase and spends its time eating and storing energy. The phase can be recognized under a microscope as the Entamoeba gingivalis will be round.

Trophozoite Stage

• The other stage in the life cycle of the Entamoeba gingivalis is the trophozoite stage. During this phase, the organism reproduces. Like its kin the amoeba, Entamoeba gingivalis reproduces by splitting itself. This phase of the Entamoeba gingivalis life cycle can be spotted because the size of the organism swells and it becomes elongated. It becomes two separate organisms that are, at first, connected.