Entamoeba gingivalis in periodontitis – An innocent bystander or culpable?

• Entamoeba gingivalis shows a higher presence in inflamed periodontal pockets, suggesting a potential role in periodontitis. • The parasite influences the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL8 in gingival cells. • Transcriptomic analysis reveals E. gingivalis affects cell cycle regulation and proinflammatory responses in host cells. • Early studies link E. gingivalis colonization with periodontitis in HIV-positive patients. • The genetic diversity and full genomic profile of E. gingivalis remain largely unexplored, indicating the need for further research.