Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia Predominance in Iraq’s Southern Governorates
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Date
2024-12-12
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Abstract
Aim: Common parasites that can cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans include Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. These parasites
are abundant in Iraq’s Southern Governorates, while exact statistics on prevalence rates may be lacking. Inadequate sanitation, contaminated
drinking water, and poor personal hygiene all help to transmit these parasites. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of
E. histolytica and G. lamblia in the Southern Governorates. Materials and Methods: From January 2022 to December 2022, this study
conducted a retrospective cohort study using the data from patients seeking medical care in hospitals and health centers in Iraq’s Southern
Governorates. Microscopic inspection verified the diagnosis. The data were analyzed using the age groups, gender, season, and geographic
dispersion. Results: G. lamblia was significantly outnumbered by E. histolytica across each province. Wasit Governorate has the most E.
histolytica at 26.6%, whereas Maysan has 8.4% G. lamblia. All the seasons showed a greater incidence of E. histolytica, while spring showing
the biggest variation (27.1%). E. histolytica outnumbered G. lamblia in all age groups, particularly among children aged 1–4 (31.3% vs. 3.6%)
years. Males were more likely than females to have E. histolytica (58.96%) and G. lamblia (41.04%). Conclusion: Through microscopic
examination, this study detected G. lamblia and E. histolytica infections in 2000 patients. Geographical location, age, and gender all had an
impact on the incidence of those diseases, which differed throughout the Southern Governorates of Iraq
Description
This study investigated the prevalence of two common gastrointestinal parasites, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia, in Iraq’s Southern Governorates. The research was motivated by the lack of precise prevalence data and the high transmission risk due to poor sanitation, contaminated water, and inadequate hygiene.
Methodology:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January to December 2022, analyzing data from hospitals and health centers in the region. Diagnosis was confirmed through microscopic examination, and the data were categorized based on age, gender, season, and geographic distribution.
Key Findings:
E. histolytica was significantly more prevalent than G. lamblia in all provinces.
Wasit Governorate had the highest rate of E. histolytica infections (26.6%), while Maysan had the most G. lamblia cases (8.4%).
Across all seasons, E. histolytica remained more dominant, with spring showing the highest incidence (27.1%).
Children aged 1–4 years were the most affected, with E. histolytica at 31.3% compared to G. lamblia at 3.6%.
Males were more susceptible than females, with 58.96% of E. histolytica cases and 41.04% of G. lamblia cases.
Conclusion:
Microscopic examination confirmed E. histolytica and G. lamblia infections in 2,000 patients. The study highlights the influence of geographical location, age, and gender on infection rates, emphasizing the need for improved public health interventions to mitigate these infections in Iraq’s Southern Governorates.
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Citation
Mustafa, H. M., Hamad, A. A., & Mohsein, O. A. (2024). Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia predominance in Iraq’s southern governorates. International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering, 13(1), 10.