Low prevalence of oral protozoa colonization in Portuguese healthy and end-stage renal disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Correia, I (Author) Other; Simoes Silva, L (Author) Other; Santos Araujo, C (Author) Other; Sousa, MJ (Author) Other; Pestana M (Author) FMUP; Soares Silva, I (Author) Other; Benedita Sampaio-Maia (Author) FMDUP; Barbosa, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Boletin de Malariologia y Salud Ambiental

Vol. 56 No. 1

Pages: 11-18

ISSN: 1690-4648

Publisher: Instituto de Altos Estudios Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldon

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-GE3

Abstract (EN): Infections are a major complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Because the oral cavity may act as a source of systemic pathogens, some authors advocated specific measures when these patients are submitted to oral interventions, such as the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. Oral protozoa colonization may vary significantly with geographic distribution and to our knowledge no studies were performed in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate protozoa colonization in the saliva of ESRD patients undergoing PD and of their family members, living in the north of Portugal. Saliva was collected from 39 PD patients with a mean time on PD therapy of 12.7 - 15.9 months, and from 18 healthy volunteers (ESRD family members) for microscopic evaluation of protozoa by Lugols' direct smear and specific staining techniques (Giemsa, Trichrome and Kinyoun). After the analysis of 456 smears obtained from 57 participants, only one PD patient (2.6%) presented an amoeba trophozoite in saliva. In conclusion, very low oral protozoa colonization was found, both on PD patients and family controls, suggesting that the oral protozoa colonization of Portuguese population is low and not significantly modified by the presence of end-stage chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to address this issue.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8