Work

Detection of some intestinal protozoan parasites in pregnant and non-pregnant women of Nasiriya province in Iraq

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background. Intestinal helminths and protozoan parasites cause parasitic infections, which are among the most widespread human infections in developing nations. The most prominent parasitic cause of diarrhea worldwide is enteric intestinalis, which is also particularly common in underdeveloped nations. The aim of the study . To estimate the incidence of some Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in pregnant women compare with incidence of IPIs in non-pregnant women. Materials and methods . Fecal samples collected from the subjects who visited Bint Al-Huda Hospital in Dhi Qar from a period February 2024 to February 2025, n = 228, of which 128 were pregnant women and 100 were non-pregnant women, information was collected for each patient. To find out how common IPIs are, samples were processed and evaluated as soon as they were collected using concentration techniques and standard direct faecal smear microscopy. The oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Identified using modified acid-fast staining. Results . The t otal r at e of infection with IPIs among expectant mothers was higher than in the non-pregnant women’s. Also, the highest incidence of parasites in pregnant women was Entamoeba histolytica, followed by Entamoeba coli, then Cryptosporidium parvum, and the least of them was Giardia lamblia, while the lowest infection was Blantidium coli. The age range in pregnant women of 25–30 years had the highest infection rate. While the age group of 35–45 years had the lowest infection percentage. Blood group A had the highest infection rate, whereas blood group O had the lowest infection rate. The highest rate of infection was in the second trimester, while the lowest rate of infection was in the first trimester. Conclusion . Research r evealed that IPIs are a high for pregnant women in Thi-Qar province. A relatively high prevalence of enteric parasite infection observed in expectant mothers. Timely medical care for pregnant women and their unborn children depends on adequate health education.

Source: Бюллетень Восточно-Сибирского научного центра Сибирского отделения Российской академии медицинских наук

DOI: 10.29413/abs.2025-10.6.25

Authors: Rabab Ali Al-Mosawi, Ebtesam Mohsen Al-Azawe, Bassad A. Al-Aboody

Institutions: Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Directorate General of Training, Thi Qar University

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Thi-Qar