Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia Predominance in Iraq’s Southern Governorates

Abstract

Abstract Aim: Common parasites that can cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans include Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. These parasites are abundant in Iraq’s Southern Governorates, while exact statistics on prevalence rates may be lacking. Inadequate sanitation, contaminated drinking water, and poor personal hygiene all help to transmit these parasites. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of E. histolytica and G. lamblia in the Southern Governorates. Materials and Methods: From January 2022 to December 2022, this study conducted a retrospective cohort study using the data from patients seeking medical care in hospitals and health centers in Iraq’s Southern Governorates. Microscopic inspection verified the diagnosis. The data were analyzed using the age groups, gender, season, and geographic dispersion. Results: G. lamblia was significantly outnumbered by E. histolytica across each province. Wasit Governorate has the most E. histolytica at 26.6%, whereas Maysan has 8.4% G. lamblia. All the seasons showed a greater incidence of E. histolytica, while spring showing the biggest variation (27.1%). E. histolytica outnumbered G. lamblia in all age groups, particularly among children aged 1–4 (31.3% vs. 3.6%) years. Males were more likely than females to have E. histolytica (58.96%) and G. lamblia (41.04%). Conclusion: Through microscopic examination, this study detected G. lamblia and E. histolytica infections in 2000 patients. Geographical location, age, and gender all had an impact on the incidence of those diseases, which differed throughout the Southern Governorates of Iraq.