Abstract This study aims to determine the prevalence rate of intestinal protozoan infection among children, in Duhok Province, North of Iraq, during the period between October 2022 to May 2023. A cross-sectional study was done among 740 children attending Hevi Pediatric Hospital, Duhok Province, Iraq. First, all collected stool samples were examined directly by preparing a wet stool smear for detection of the vegetative stage (Trophozoite) of both E. histolytica and G. lamblia. Then, all stool samples were preserved at - 22°C till used for identification of cysts of protozoa and oocysts of C. parvaum by the Telmman concentration stool method. The average child’s age was between 1-14 years in the current study. Out of the 740 stool samples collected, 205 (27.7%) were positive for intestinal protozoan infections, as follows: 160 children (78.0%) tested positive for E. histolytica, 35 children (17.1%) were positive for C. parvum, and only 10 (4.9%) were positive for G. lamblia. However, the results indicate a statistically significant difference between the prevalence of E. histolytica, C.parvum, and G. lamblia infections across different age groups. This result is significant at a P value < 0.05. The highest infection rates of intestinal protozoa, including E.histolytica, C. parvum, and G.lamblia, were reported in age groups between 5-9 years (53.75%, 25.0%, and 60.0%) respectively, then followed by age groups between 1-4 years (28.75%,20.0% and 30.0%) respectively, and finally followed by age group between 10-14 years (17.55, 8.6%, and 10.0%) respectively. The prevalence of amoebaisis and cryptosporidiosis was reported higher than in the other studies done in Iraq, while the prevalence of giardiasis was reported at a lower rate than the rate reported before in Iraq and Duhok mainly. These infections continue to pose a difficult public health issue and necessitate the implementation of stronger and more effective preventative measures. |
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