Interactions between oral bacteria and amoebae in periodontitis

The project aims to determine: i) the association of amoebae, both parasitic (Entamoeba gingivalis) and free living with periodontal lesions. (First reports for the free living); ii) the possible association of the amoebae with oral bacteria, in particular those associated with periodontal disease. Association of bacteria with parasitic amoeba will be reported for the first time if present; iii) details of the association mechanism of the intracellular bacteria with the amoebae; and, iv) the ultrastructural characteristics of the PD biofilm regarding its organization and its relationship with host cells and amoebae