Infection rates of parasites in the oral cavity were compared for two study areas in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Penguiran and Sungai Baru, two adjacent villages, were considered a single study area and were inhabited by 151 individuals ranging from 2 to 70 years. Tanah Intan, the second study area, had a population of 265 persons who also ranged from 2 to 70 years. The standard of living was low in all the villages (average of 450 U.S. dollars per family per year). Teeth and gums were examined by standard diagnostic techniques. Material from infected gums was examined for parasites. Of the 373 individuals studied, 49 were infected with Entamoeba gingivalis, 1 with Entamoeba histolytica, 19 with Trichomonas tenax, and 14 with Candida sp. The infection rates in the first study area were substantially lower than in the second study area.
Adolescent Adult