Studies on prevalence rate of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among patients in Libya and Egypt

Background: Protozoan parasites are unicellular pathogens and responsible for painful disease in humans worldwide. It contributes significantly to severe morbidity and mortality. The infection is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or soil, as well as flies and other biological vectors. Globally, intestinal protozoan E. histolytica and G. lamblia are the cause of amoebiasis and giardiasis, respectively. Methods: A total of 442 fresh stool samples (231 males and 211 females) were collected and tested from May to September, 2024. The stool samples were obtained from all participants and examined microscopically using a direct mount preparation with physiological normal saline (0.9%) and iodine stain. Results: The study showed that the general prevalence rate of E. histolytica and G. lamblia among the participants were 8.59% -2.71%, respectively. The results revealed that the prevalence of these two parasitic infections was higher in males than in females in Libya and Egypt. Infested participants of both sexes were 50 and uninfested of both sexes were 392. In Libya results revealed that parasitic infections was higher in males (6.18%) than in females (1.88%) and in Egypt results also appeared the prevalence was higher in males (18.57%) than in females (10%). The prevalence rate of intestinal protozoan was higher in the age group between 11-35years (4.75%), followed by the age group 36-75years (3.39%) then in children group 7months -10years (3.17%). Conclusion: This research collaboration for the first time between Libya and Egypt aims to assess the prevalence of amoebiasis and giardiasis among participants who infected with intestinal parasites.