Evaluation of Iron Metabolism in a Sample of Children Infected with Pinworm Disease in Anbar Province/ Iraq

Abstract

Pinworm Enterobius vermicularis is a common parasitic worm that infects humans, and its disease is widespread around the world, especially among children. Its infection occurs in areas with poor health and environmental conditions that lack personal hygiene. The study was conducted to determine pinworm infection prevalence in the several areas of Anbar Governorate and the status of some physiological indicators associated with it. The entire children attending Fallujah Teaching Hospital ages between 4 and 15 years were part of the study, and the study period included November 2022 to November 2023. The total samples comprised 1350 samples from various locations in Anbar Governorate. The infection was diagnosed in this study by direct microscopic examinations with a Logul-iodine-stained swab, and egg concentration methods, namely flotation with salt and zinc sulphate, and ana adhesive tape method. Physiological tests i.e. iron levels, ferironportin, and iron transporters. Analysis of the study yielded a total pinworm infection rate of 6.28% of all samples. The blood test results showed a marked reduction in hemoglobin level and an increment in eosinophils count in the infected group compared to the healthy controls. Concomitantly, total iron, ferroportin, and diaphoretic transporter levels decreased in the infected group providing an association between infection with the parasite and anemia.