| Trichomonas tenax | |
|---|---|
| |
| Parasite taken from the biofilm of a patient with chronic active periodontitis. Phase-contrast microscope, 1000× magnification, salivary smear | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Phylum: | Metamonada |
| Subphylum: | Trichozoa |
| (unranked): | Parabasalia |
| Order: | Trichomonadida |
| Family: | Trichomonadidae |
| Genus: | Trichomonas |
| Species: | T. tenax
|
| Binomial name | |
| Trichomonas tenax | |
Trichomonas tenax, or oral trichomonas, is a species of Trichomonas commonly found in the oral cavity of humans. Routine hygiene is generally not sufficient to eliminate the parasite, hence its Latin name, meaning "tenacious". The parasite is frequently encountered in periodontal infections, affecting more than 50% of the population in some areas, but it is usually considered insignificant. T. tenax is generally not found on the gums of healthy patients.[2] It is known to play a pathogenic role in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, worsening preexisting periodontal disease.[3][page needed] This parasite is also implicated in some chronic lung diseases; in such cases, removal of the parasite is sufficient to allow recovery (Mussaev 1976).
- ^ Dobell C (6 April 2009). "The common flagellate of the human mouth, (O.F.M.): its discovery and its nomenclature". Parasitology. 31 (1): 138–146. doi:10.1017/S0031182000012671. S2CID 85782577.
- ^ 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". Oral Health. 70 (10): 39–41, 108, 110. PMID 6950337.
- ^ Bonner M (2013). To Kiss or Not to Kiss. A cure for gum disease. Amyris Editions. ISBN 978-28755-2016-6.