Entamoeba histolytica is a major cause of diarrhea in two districts of Thi-Qar province, Iraq | ||||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 July 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.396487.2934 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
ZAINAB RAED JAWAD  ; NOTHAILA RASHEED ALKASR  ; ABDULAZIZ SALH ABDLAZIZ AL-SHMERI
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| Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shatrah, Iraq | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Etamoeba histolytica is a source of illness and mortality among humans globally. This parasitic protozoan primarily affects the intestines and can lead to severe dysentery, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal complications. Aim: This study aimed to determine the role of E. histolytica as a primary cause of diarrhea among affected individuals by investigating its prevalence in diarrheal cases. Additionally, it seeks to examine some of the associated factors, such as age and gender, to assess their relationship with the risk of diarrhea caused by this parasite. Methods: The study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025. Samples were taken from Al-Rifai and Al-Nasiriya in Thi- Qar province. Samples were collected from 130 participants with severe to moderate diarrhea. The samples were examined by direct microscopy examination and PCR. Results: The findings demonstrate a correlation between E. histolytica infection and diarrhea in two districts Al- Nasiriyah and Al-Refai. The infection prevalence in Al-Nasiriyah district was higher than that in Al-Refai district (67.50% compared to 43.33%), with statistically significant differences observed (P < 0.05). Infection prevalence was higher in males (40/76, 52.63%) compared to females (26/54, 48.15%); however, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: E. histolytica is a major cause of diarrhea in two districts of Thi-Qar province. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Thi-Qar province; E. histolytica; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | ||||
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