Assessing the relationship between intestinal protozoal infection and nutritional status among children under 5 years of age

Asya Akram Othman; Zaynab Korsheed Rasheed; Wafaa Mahmood Jasim

doi:10.56286/h1za7r74

Authors

Asya Akram Othman College of Health and Medical Technology, Northern Technical University, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6449-4697
Zaynab Korsheed Rasheed College of Health and Medical Technology, Northern Technical University, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2891-6366
Wafaa Mahmood Jasim Dialysis Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, 36001 Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5870-7226

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56286/h1za7r74

Keywords:

Intestinal protozoa, Infection, Nutritional status, 5 years of age

Abstract

Intestinal protozoan infections are common, particularly among children under 5 years, who are more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between protozoal infections and nutritional status in 260 children under 5 years, conducted from 1/9/2024 to 1/2/2025. Parasitological diagnosis was done using direct microscopy (saline and iodine wet mounts) and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for coccidian parasites. Body mass index (BMI) was evaluated based on WHO standards to compare infected and non-infected groups. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent protozoan, with a 56.25% infection rate. Underweight status was notably common among children aged 4–5 years. Findings indicated a strong association between protozoal infection and malnutrition, likely resulting from nutrient malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, and reduced appetite due to infection.

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