High prevalence of oral cavity parasites and its related risk factors in Iranian children with stomatitis; A case-control study

Objective

This study for the first time seeks to assess the prevalence, socio-economic characteristics, and risk factors associated with oral cavity parasites (Entamoeba gingivalis (Eg) and Trichomonas tenax (Tt)) in children with stomatitis in Lorestan province, Western Iran.

Design

The present case-control study encompassed a group of 215 children with stomatitis (ST) and 215 children without stomatitis (non-ST) who were referred to healthcare facilities in Lorestan province, Iran, between December 2024 and January 2025. Samples were collected from participants and were analyzed under a light microscope.

Results

The overall prevalence of oral parasites in children with ST was determined to be 59 (27.4 %) and 64 (29.8 %) using microscopic examination and PCR techniques, respectively. Among the positive cases, 48 (75.0 %) of the children were found to be positive for Eg, while 16 (25.0 %) tested positive for Tt. The likelihood of encountering oral cavity parasites among ST participants is markedly higher compared to that of the non-ST group (p < 0.001, OR=2.180; CI= 1.369–3.471). In the multivariate analysis, several factors were found to be significantly associated with parasitic infection, including male gender (p = 0.024, OR= 2.173, 95 % CI: 1.107–4.265), high parental education (p = 0.007, OR= 3.138, 95 % CI:1.373–7.170), living in urban regions (p = 0.000, OR=0.259, 95 % CI: 0.123–0.546), and the use of mouthwash (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The research revealed a significant occurrence of oral cavity parasites among children with stomatitis in Lorestan province, Western Iran. Consequently, pediatric dental practitioners should maintain a heightened awareness of these risk factors for reducing the prevalence of oral infections in children.