Epidemiological Study for Entamoeba Histolytica Infection and their Risk Factors among Children in Pediatric Hospital in, Sulaimani Province-Iraq

Abstract

Background: The protozoa parasite Entamoeba histolytica is an essential cause of human morbidity and mortality around the world other than malaria and schistosomiasis. Prevalence of E. histolytica in Sulaimani province, KRG, Iraq has been scantily studied as well as detecting and controlling the risk factors related to the parasite is crucial in Sulaimani city. Aims: A cross-sectional study was pointed to supply the primary information on the prevalence and epidemiological risk factors including age, residency, economic status, drinking water source, hand washing and consuming raw vegetable related to E. histolytica infection among children between 1 to 10 years old in Sulaimani city, Iraq. Materials and methods: A total of 450 stool samples randomly were collected (during period from September 2021 to February 2022) from children in Sulaimani pediatric hospital in Sulaimani city, KRG, Iraq, and examined by direct smear microscopy in normal saline and iodine smears which is followed by Sulaimani medical laboratories for detection and diagnosis of E. histolytica infection. Results: The Prevalence of E. histolytica infection in Sulaimani province was (19.3%), and significant association was recorded between the infection and economic status of the child family ( p value = 0.005), family who consuming raw vegetable (p value= 0.006) and children’s parent education level ( p value = 0.05). Conclusions: Prevalence of E. histolytica among children is low and this parasite may play a minor role in causing morbidity in these populations in Sulaimani city, Iraq. Besides, more studies are necessary to provide information on epidemiological risk factors of E. histolytica to improve health education and environmental sanitary conditions to protect children from the pathogen E. histolytica in Sulaimani city.