Prevalence and associated risk factors for Giardia lamblia infection among children hospitalized for diarrhea in The Pediatric Hospita

In pediatric hospitals, the epidemiology of Giardia lamblia infection presents distinctive challenges given children's heightened vulnerability to this protozoan parasite. The study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of G. lamblia and its associated risk factors at Benghazi Children's Hospital. Conducted from January to December 2019, the study involved the collection and microscopic examination of 1780 stool samples from hospitalized children. Personal data was also collected for statistical analysis during this period. Results revealed a prevalence rate of 7.40% (133 out of 1780) for G. lamblia. Factors such as gender and seasonal variations were identified as potential influencers of prevalence rates. The prevalence rate of giardiasis in male children (65.40%) was higher than in female children. Furthermore, differences in infection rates across different seasons and months of the year were observed, with the highest prevalence recorded in spring and by month in April (36.80%) and the lowest in May of the year.