Detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia in children with diarrhea in Tikrit city

Abstract

Background: Entamoeba histolytica are very common protozoan parasites in Iraq and are causative agents of gastrointestinal diseases especially among children. Objective: To show the distribution of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among children aging 6-12 years old in Tikrit City.Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried on (1100) school children attended Tikrit Primary Heath Care Centers for period from February 2010 to June 2012. For each child the clinical examination was carried on by physicians in addition to anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations including haematological, biochemical and general stool examination. Results: Stool samples were collected from 1100 children from both sexes, the rate of infections were: E. histolytica 9.3%, G. lamblia 8.9%.The overall rate of E. histolytica and G. lamblia infections was highest among 6-7 years (20.7%) followed by >10-12 (18.7%) and >7-10 years (17.2%) years. The distribution of both infections did not vary significantly between sexes. The anthropometric measurements in infected children were lower than non-infected controls, although haemoglobin concentration in both infections did not vary from non-infected children, while the white blood cells were higher among infected children in both infections than non-infected ones. In all infected groups, the neutrophils were lower while monocytes were higher than non infected controls. The eosinophils and lymphocytes were lower in E. histolytica infected children. The mean values of alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin did not differ between infected and non-infected ones. The globulin value in Giardia lamblia was lower than non infected ones. The concentration of zinc in serum of all infected children was lower than non-infected ones. In both infections, T-rosette and B lymphocyte were lower while the Null cells were higher in infected children than non-infected ones. Conclusions: The rate of both infections in Tikrit city was high. The highest rate of infections was among 6-7 years. The infections did not lead to anemia, but increased total leucocytes count and Null cells but decreased anthropometric measurements, T-rosette cells, B lymphocytes and zinc concentration