Detection and molecular identification of Entamoebaspecies in faecal samples from Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

The study involved the estimation of the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. using microscopy and molecular techniques among symptomatic outpatients during April 2021 to March, 2022. Stool samples were collected from 2592 outpatients with amoebiasis symptoms of both sexes and different ages (≤ l to 60). Also, 107 stool samples were taken randomly from asymptomatic individuals and examined microscopically to detect infection with Entamoeba spp. the positive specimens were used for molecular analysis with positive symptomatic samples targeting the 18S rRNA gene by nested PCR. Microscopically 21.68% (562/2592) were positive, for Entamoeba spp. Males showed highest infection rate than females (67.43% vs 32.56%). Ages from 1-10 years showed the highest rate (54.09%), and urban inhabitant had somewhat a higher rate than rural one (58.54% vs 41.45%) which was statistically non-significant(P>0.05). Among asymptomatic individuals, 57% (61/107) were positive for Entamoeba spp. Nested PCR analysis yielded 73% positive samples for Entamoeba spp. with a fragment size of 897 bp. Three fragment sizes were produced, for E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii which were 439, 174 and 553 bps, respectively. Single infection occurred with, E. histolytica in 46%, of symptomatic and 6% of asymptomatic cases, E. dispar in 38% of asymptomatic and 10% of symptomatic cases, E. moshkovskii, reported at very low rate among both groups.

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

INTRODUCTION: Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is the third major contributor to human mortality and morbidity outside of malaria and schistosomiasis. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. among outpatients of two teaching hospitals in Duhok city who agreed to participate in the study from April 2021 to March 2022 to assess the impact of associated risk variables on the infection rate. METHODOLOGY: Stool specimens were collected from outpatients suffering from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in two teaching hospitals: Azadi and Heevi Pediatric in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region- Iraq. The collected stool specimens were examined macroscopically, followed by microscopic examination using the direct wet mount and zinc sulfate flotation methods, respectively. RESULT: Infection with Entamoeba species was recorded in 21.68% (562/2592) of the analyzed specimens. Males had a significantly higher infection rate than females (67.43% vs. 32.56%). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.000). The highest rate was seen in the age group 1-10 years (p < 0.001). Lower levels of education, low incomes, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, drinking well water, eating frequently outside of homes, not using antidiarrheal medications and living in overcrowded families were risk factors that showed high levels of infection (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study concluded that improving living conditions, providing clean water, and promoting health education programs are essential to reduce the rate of this disease among the population.