Prevalence of Trichomonas tenax Infection among Individuals With and Without Oral Disease in a Rural Community South of Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Trichomonas tenax is an anaerobic flagellated protozoan that inhabits the human oral cavity and has been increasingly associated with periodontal diseases. Although it has traditionally been regarded as a commensal organism, accumulating evidence suggests that T. tenax may contribute to oral inflammation and tissue destruction, particularly in individuals with poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Information regarding the epidemiology of T. tenax in Iraq remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas tenax infection among residents of a rural community south of Baghdad and to evaluate its association with oral disease, gender, and smoking status. Among participants without oral disease, T. tenax was detected in 20 of 175 males (11.4%) and 35 of 175 females (20.0%). In contrast, infection was identified in 100 of 175 males (57.1%) and 125 of 175 females (71.4%) with oral disease. Smoking was also associated with a higher prevalence of infection. Only 2 of 72 non-smoking males (2.8%) and 8 of 150 non-smoking females (5.3%) were infected, whereas infection was detected in 118 of 278 male smokers (42.4%) and 155 of 200 female smokers (77.5%). The prevalence of Trichomonas tenax was substantially higher among individuals with oral disease and among smokers than among healthy individuals and non-smokers. These findings support the growing evidence that T. tenax is associated with poor oral health and highlight the need for improved oral hygiene practices and further molecular investigations to clarify the parasite's role in periodontal disease.