Identificação de genótipos de Trichomonas tenax em amostras biológicas de universitários do Pontal do Triângulo Mineiro

Abstract

Researches involving microorganisms in the mouth are scarce, neither when referring to Trichomonas tenax. This protozoan inhabits calculus present on teeth and is an integral part of the microbiota that makes up the gingival pocket. However, its presence is related in some circumstances, with various periodontal pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of T. tenax in saliva samples from students of Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Pontal and to identify the predominant genotypes of the protozoan. T. tenax were obtained through mouthwash techniques using 0.9% saline solution and material obtained from passing a cotton swab in the oral cavity and periodontal region. The presence of T. tenax was confirmed by direct examination under the microscope and then culture monitoring using specific culture medium. Ninety five students participated in the research, 70.5% (67/95) female and 29.5% (28/95) male, aged between 18 and 37 years (21 years ± 2.91). T. tenax trophozoites were found in 7.4% (6/95) of samples from female participants whose salivary pH ranged from 5 to 7. Molecular analysis of positive samples confirmed the presence of T. tenax genetic material, with identified specific genotypes not yet reported in the Triângulo Mineiro (Tiju5, Tiju24; Tiju27; Tiju33; Tiju64 and Tiju84). The sequences were duly identified and registered in Genbank. When questioning the participants if they knew the protozoan in question, 71.6% (68/95) said they did not know and did not know the clinical importance of the protozoan. This work shows the distribution of T.tenax isolates in biological samples, and emphasizes the importance of the colonization of the protozoa and bacteria that can act as opportunists, being able to accentuate the symptoms and prolong diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Keys words: Trichomonas tenax; periodontitis; genotype