Intestinal Parasitic Infection and their Hematological Impact among Infants and Children in Duhok, Iraq

Haji, Zaynab Musa; Mero, Wijdan Mohammed Salih

doi:10.33899/rjs.2025.162170.1481

	Intestinal Parasitic Infection and their Hematological Impact among Infants and Children in Duhok, Iraq
Rafidain Journal of Science
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 August 2025
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.33899/rjs.2025.162170.1481
Authors
Zaynab Musa Haji^* ¹; Wijdan Mohammed Salih Mero²
¹Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
²1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq 2Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, 44001, Erbil, –Iraq
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their impact on blood parameters among infants and children in Duhok province, Iraq, from September 2024 to February 2025. A total of 550 children, aged less than 1 to 15 years, of both genders were included. Stool samples were analyzed using direct wet mount, Zinc Sulfate concentration, and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, the latter for detecting Cryptosporidium species. Additionally, 50 blood samples were collected (25 from infected children and 25 from non-infected controls) from Hevi Pediatric Hospital and private clinics. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 21.27%, with males showing a slightly higher, but non-significant, prevalence than females (22.03% vs. 20.45%). The age group <1–5 years had the highest infection rate (24.87%). Protozoa were predominant (23.27%), with Entamoeba spp. accounting for 18.73%. Helminth infections were rare (1.09%). Infected children showed a slight reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) levels and red blood cell (RBC) counts, along with an increase in white blood cell (WBC) and eosinophil counts. These differences were mostly non-significant (P>0.05), except for a significant reduction in RBC count among females and a highly significant increase in eosinophil count in children aged 11–15 years (P=0.0015). In conclusion, the study reveals a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among children, especially in younger age groups. While most blood parameter changes were statistically non-significant, notable effects were observed in female RBC counts and eosinophils in older children. Further studies are recommended for deeper investigation.
Keywords
Prevalence; Intestinal parasites; Infectious diseases; Blood parameters

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