A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA & Giardia Lamblia INFECTION

Abstract

Stool samples were collected from 7537 persons attending Qurna hospital in Basrah from the period of Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2005 were examined and studied to define the role of intestinal protozoal infections ( Entamoeba histolytica , Giardia lamblia and mixed infection ) in rural region (Qurna) and effect of risk factors of age and sex related to these parasites. A high percentage of patient (29.2%) had infection with Entamoeba histolytica followed by (15.0%) infected with Giardia lamblia. The influences of age on infection with Entamoeba histolytica was studied, a higher incidence is found at >45yr. (35.7%) and also at (1-14)yr. age groups (31.9%).whereas the high percentage in Giardia lamblia infection (21.5%) was found within the age group (30-45)yr. Significant difference (p<0.05) was seen in the rate of infection with Entamoeba histolytica between males (33.9%) and females (26.7%) and No significant difference (p<0.05) have been found in the infection rate in Giardia lamblia (16.4%) were male and (14.7%) were females and mixed infection (11.2%) were males and (10.7%) were females.