Study Of Parasitic Infections Among Autistic Children In Outpatient Clinics | ||
| Zagazig University Medical Journal | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 September 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/zumj.2025.422609.4177 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Sara A. Abdel-Rahman1; Eman M. Mostafa1; Aya Ibrahim Mohamed2; Asmaa M. Darwish1; Sara Maged Yousef1; Shaimaa E. Ashoush* 1 | ||
| 1Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt | ||
| 2Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present with a variety of comorbidities, including gastrointestinal disturbances, altered behavior and immunity dysfunction, which may increase their susceptibility to pathogenic infections. In autistic children, gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently reported, but their potential link to parasitic infections is underexplored. So, we aimed to identify the frequency of parasitic infections in autistic children in Sharkia Governorate. Methods: The present work was carried out on 40 ASD cases and another 40 non-autistic children as control group, aged 2–18 years. They were selected from Outpatient Pediatric Clinics and Faculty of disability sciences and rehabilitation in Zagazig University. From each individual, blood samples were collected for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. Additionally, stool samples were collected and examined by microscopy and antigen detection assays to identify various intestinal parasites. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Furthermore, the prevalence of overall intestinal parasitic infections was a significantly higher in the autistic group compared to non-autistic children using both microscopy and antigen detecting immunochromatographic test (ICT). Cryptosporidium parvum was the most detected intestinal parasite in both groups. ICT showed better performance than microscopy in detecting some intestinal protozoa, reinforcing its value in epidemiological studies and routine screening in children. Conclusion: Children with ASD appear to be more susceptible to parasitic infections, particularly intestinal protozoa, than children without ASD. Moreover, the higher detection of anti- T. gondii antibodies among autistic children suggests a possible association between ASD and toxoplasmosis. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Autism spectrum disorder; Toxoplasmosis; Intestinal parasites; Gastrointestinal symptoms; Pediatric comorbidities | ||
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