The prevalence of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar among Iraqi provinces

Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are intestinal protozoan parasites, widely prevalent, causing serious public health issues in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of G. lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar, and also to quantify age, gender, and region related prevalence among a population from the eighteen provinces of Iraq, using the available surveillance database taken from the Ministry of Health, from January 2013 to December 2013. Prevalence of E. histolytica/dispar was significantly higher than G. lamblia. Both were found in varying prevalence in relation to sex (higher in males), age groups (higher in age group 15-44) and regions (higher in Middle Euphrates region). In this study, lower prevalence rates were observed in comparison with the similar studies conducted in Iraq, which may be as a result of the sample size, seasonal diversity, improved personal hygiene and public health services.