Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia Lamblia Associated with Diarrhea in Children referring to lbn Al- Atheer Hospital in Mosul, Iraq

Amebiasis and giardiasis are major health problems caused by Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia which are the two most common intestinal protozoan parasites with worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries. Both protozoa are spread by the fecal-oral route; that is to say, by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of E. histolytica and G.lamblia in children with clinical signs of diarrhea referring to Ibn Al-Atheer Hospital in Mosul, Iraq, from January 2019 to December 2020. A total of 2,296 samples were examined by the direct swab of stool method. The patients were within the age range of less than 1 year and above 12 years. The results demonstrated that in 2019 and 2020, the prevalence rates of E.histolytica infections were (152, 13.2%) and (181, 15.7%); moreover, the prevalence rates of G.lamblia were obtained at (10, 0.86%) and (12, 1.04%) (P<0.01). The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was significantly associated with age and gender, and the prevalence of both E.histolytica and G.lamblia infections were higher in males. Furthermore, the highest and lowest prevalence rates of E.histolytica and G.lamblia infections were reported in the age groups of under 1 year and above 12 years (P<0.05). The high prevalence of protozoan infection in the age group of under 1 year can be attributed to their lack of developed immunity system and resistance. Due to disease transmission, the enhancement of health conditions is of utmost importance in controlling the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites.