An Epidemiological Study of Hymenolepis nana Infection and Some Associated Intestinal Parasites among Children in the City of Samarra
Abstract
Background: One of the most common intestinal parasites affecting people, especially children, is Hymenolepis nana. Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk variables linked to hymenolepiasis in children and to evaluate its prevalence. This study also evaluated blood glucose, insulin, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Materials and Methods: 584 stool samples were collected from children who visited pediatric outpatient clinics in Samarra city from July 2023 to the end of March 2024. Result: The results showed an infection rate of 3.9%, with 57.4% diagnosed by flotation and sedimentation and 42.5% diagnosed by direct examination. Symptomatic infection was present in 72.2% of the children, while 27.7% were asymptomatic. The highest infection rate was among children aged 7-9 years (40.7%). The current study showed non-significant differences in the level of insulin between infected children and control (p-value > 0.05). Blood glucose, selenium, zinc, and iron levels decreased in children infected with H. nana that were (92.04±21.2 mg/dl, 189.74±59.12 µg/dL, 48.31±5.52 µg/dL, 85.36±9.28 µg/dL) as compared with control that were (115.12±32.4 mg/dl, 253.61±20.77 µg/dL, 74.63±10.71 µg/dL, 145.91±16.53 µg/dL, respectively, at a p-value < 0.05. While statistically increasing the level of copper in infected children as compared with the control (219.27±17.61 and 116.89±23.74 µg/dL, respectively) at a p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. nana infection is influenced by factors such as age, sex, and source of water. Furthermore, there is an association between infection with H. nana and iron, zinc, and selenium deficiency.