Despite numerous studies investigating the link between Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax and periodontal diseases, findings remain inconclusive. To resolve this inconsistency, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between E. gingivalis and T. tenax with both gingivitis and periodontitis.

We searched Google Scholar, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase search engines and databases, as well as a bibliographic section of related articles from their dates of inception to 20 April 2024. The included studies were assessed for potential biases and the overall quality of the evidence using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Finally, 20 studies entered the meta-analysis.

20 studies were qualified to be included in the current study. The prevalence of T. tenax was estimated to be 14% (95% CI: 8-20) among gingivitis patients and 26% (95% CI: 12-40) in periodontitis patients. The odds of gingivitis and periodontitis were estimated to be significantly higher in patients with T. tenax infection than in the control group (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.21-4.35, and OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.01-8.37, respectively). Also, the prevalence of E. gingivalis was estimated to be 45% (95% CI: 32-58) among gingivitis patients and 55% (95% CI: 35-75) in periodontitis patients. The odds of gingivitis and periodontitis were estimated to be significantly higher in patients with E. gingivalis infection than in the control group (OR: 4.08; 95% CI: 2.36-7.06, and OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.04-22.81, respectively).

Our analysis shows that individuals infected with E. gingivalis or T. tenax are more prone to periodontal diseases than noninfected individuals.

CRD42024551772