Description and Characteristics of Entamoeba gingivalis - Recognizable through its dense core formed by a central point encircled by a circular halo - Found in the mouth, specifically in the gingival pocket biofilm near the base of the teeth and in periodontal pockets - Found in 95% of people with gum disease and rarely in people with healthy gums - Transmission is direct from one person to another by kissing or sharing eating utensils - Trophozoites are formed, with sizes ranging from 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers in diameter - Have pseudopodia that allow them to move quickly - Phagocytize the nucleus of polynuclear neutrophils by exonucleophagy in periodontal disease - Spheroid nucleus is 2 micrometers to 4 micrometers in diameter and contains a small central endosome - Numerous food vacuoles consisting mostly of phagocytised PMN nucleus, blood cells, and bacteria - Can cause pyorrhoea

Feeding Behavior of Entamoeba gingivalis - Main activity in infected periodontal crevices is feeding on the nucleus of white blood cells - Penetrates into the cytoplasm to reach the nucleus and suctions its contents via negative pressure of the pseudopod - Digests the food inside the endoplasm - Phagocytosis can continue for more than 20 polynuclear neutrophil nuclei - Leaves denucleated cells that release PMN-uncontrolled proteolytic enzymes on surrounding tissues

Media References - Bonner M, Amard V, Bar-Pinatel C, Charpentier F, Chatard JM, Desmuyck Y, et al. (2014). Detection of the amoeba Entamoeba gingivalis in periodontal pockets. - Jian B, Kolansky AS, Baloach ZW, Gupta PK (September 2008). Entamoeba gingivalis pulmonary abscess - diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. - Lyons T, Sholten T, Palmer JC (October 1980). Oral amoebiasis: a new approach for the general practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. - Lyons T. Introduction to protozoa and fungi in periodontal disease. Trevor Lyons publications, Ontario, Canada 1989. - Prieto-Prieto J, Calvo A (2004). Microbiological basis of oral infections and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Further Reading - Roberts L, Janovy J (2005). Foundations of Parasitology. - Capnocytophaga sp. - Preston D. Miller - Willoughby D. Miller - Carl E. Misch

Miscellaneous - This group will include any remaining points or information that does not fit into the other groups.