Prevalence and epidemiological study of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia parasites among children in Maysan Governorate, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Rehal Jehad Husain

doi:10.64943/ljacs.2026.010212

Authors

Rehal Jehad Husain Directorate of Education Maysan, Ministry of Education, Maysan, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9151-8750

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64943/ljacs.2026.010212

Keywords:

Intestinal parasitic infections, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, children, prevalence

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain an important health problem among children, in settings where environmental and sanitary conditions may facilitate transmission. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia are among the intestinal protozoan parasites of clinical and epidemiological importance. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among children in Maysan Governorate, Iraq, and to assess the distribution of infection according to age and sex, as well as the occurrence of co-infection between the two parasites. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Maysan Governorate from(2 November, 2025), to (20March, 2026). A total of 422 stool samples were collected from children aged from less than one year to 13 years. The samples were examined for intestinal parasitic infections, and the obtained data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and the chi-square test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 422 examined samples, E. histolytica was detected in 85 samples (20.1%), whereas G. lamblia was detected in 68 samples (16.1%). The prevalence of E. histolytica differed significantly among age groups (χ² = 11.9, df = 4, P = 0.018), as did the prevalence of G. lamblia (χ² = 15.2, df = 4, P = 0.004). Infection with E. histolytica was higher among males (26.1%) than females (16.6%), with a statistically significant association (χ² = 5.54, df = 1, P = 0.019). Similarly, G. lamblia infection was higher among males (21.0%) than females (13.2%), and the association was statistically significant (χ² = 4.45, df = 1, P = 0.035). Co-infection with both parasites was detected in 11 samples (2.6%). However, no statistically significant association was found between E. histolytica and G. lamblia infection (χ² = 0.793, df = 1, P = 0.373).Conclusion: The findings indicate that E. histolytica and G. lamblia are present among children in Maysan Governorate, with significant differences in infection according to age and sex. The detection of co-infection, although relatively limited, indicates that both parasites circulate within the study population. Strengthening personal hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water and food, and improving health education may help reduce the transmission of intestinal protozoan infections among children.

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