Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Iraq during a Period from 2000-2020

Abstract

The prevalence history for intestinal protozoal and helminthic infections among Iraqi people is reviewed from 2000-2020. The distribution of the intestinal parasites is mentioned in different communities including hospital patients, primary school children, food handlers, general population, immunocompromised patients, malnourished patients, sicklers and day-care centers attendance in both rural and urban regions. The prevalence rates are also illustrated in relation to age and sex parameters. Protozoal infections are the most common infections in Iraq. Other parasitic infections are of a local public health problem. Even parasitic infections could cause malabsorption, malnutrition and blood loss but also might cause physical and mental growth retardation specially among children. Therefore, Implantation of a national control program is essential to apply.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Rural Areas in Duhok Province

“…It is anticipated that the prevalence rates of Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) would be notably higher in rural areas compared to urban locales, with children being particularly vulnerable (Mahdi, 2022). The present study unveils the prevalence rates of IPIs within rural communities of Duhok province and establishes correlations between these rates and pertinent risk factors.…”

“…High rates of IPIs have been reported in rural areas and villages, particularly among children. The main factors contributing to these high prevalence rates include poor hygiene practices, overcrowding, low socioeconomic status, inadequate medical care, and unsafe drinking water supplies, as well as farming activities and animal breeding (GebretSadik, 2020;Mahdi, 2022). Pathogenic intestinal parasites can infect humans of all ages, although certain environments and age groups are more susceptible (Clarke, 2019).…”

Prevalence of amoebiasis and associated risk factors among population in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

“…The Kurdistan Region and other parts of Iraq are considered as endemic regions for many parasitic diseases, mainly caused by protozoa, including amoebiasis, and most of the recent studies dealt with the distribution of these parasites among various communities, such as hospital outpatients, day-care centers, primary school children, general population, food handlers, immunocompromised and malnourished patients residing in urban and rural areas [14]. Moreover, the prevalent intestinal parasites in Iraq vary in their density and species from one place to another depending on several factors [14]. Therefore, this study evaluated the prevalence of amoebiasis, and its correlation with gender, age and some risk factors in Duhok province, Kurdistan Region -Iraq in order to get a more precise insight about the situation in this area.…”