Prevalence of Giardia lamblia among children in Sulaimani city, Iraq

Abstract

Intestinal protozoan parasites Giardia lamblia (G.L) (Giardia duodenalis, G. lamblia, or G. intestinalis) is a flagellated zoonotic parasite are extremely common in impoverished nations, posing major public health risks. The majority of Giardia lamblia infections are asymptomatic. However, sometime abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever are the most common clinical symptoms of giardiasis, especially in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of G.L among children in Sulaimani city, North of Iraq. This study was conducted from January to April 2022. The incidence of giardiasis was investigated in Jamal Ahmad Rashid Pediatric Teaching Hospital. A total of (6600) samples from general stool exam (GSE) by direct microscopic examination were studied. Male and Female, Personal Hygiene, and Eating Habits were all investigated in order to identify a link between giardiasis prevalence and these characteristics. Out of 6600 samples of GSE examined, 19 (0.2%) were positive for G.L. The prevalence rate of G.L among males were 11 (57.9%) which is higher than female 8 (42.1%). In prevalence of G.L according to months, the highest prevalence rate was recorded in April and the lowest prevalence rate were in January and February for both (males and females).