The Incidence and Predictive Factors Associated with Severity of Amebiasis among Children at Kut City, Middle Iraq

Abstract Background: Amebiasis is a parasitic disease. Its causative agent is Entamoeba histolytica . Yearly, about 50 million people are affected by amebiasis, which produces 100,000 deaths yearly, especially in developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to identify the incidence of amebiasis in Kut City and the predictive factors of the severity of amebiasis among children. Materials and Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted at three hospitals in Kut city/Wasit governorate, middle Iraq, for 12 months from 1st June 2022 until 31st May 2023. A total of 421 stools were taken from participants suffering from diarrhea and examined by microscopy by wet smear and iodine to find cysts, trophozoites, or both to detect the presence of the parasitic infection. Afterward, E. histolytica Rapid Test Cassette was used for the qualitative detection of E. histolytica antigens in human feces. Results: The age group <5 years old had the highest recorded percentage of amebiasis (41.1%). Males made up more than half (52.7%) compared to females (47.3%). Infected children came from rural areas (58.7%) and urban areas (41.3%). The study results demonstrate that the incidence rate was 9 per 1000 children aged <5 years, 8 per 1000 for children aged 5 to <10 years old, and 6 per 1000 children aged between 10 and 14 years old. Children’s age, residence, mother’s education, type of water, and sewage disposal are predictive factors of the severity of amebiasis. Conclusion: The high incidence rate of amebiasis in Kut City is the main conclusion of the current study. A comprehensive community-based health education program is recommended to reduce the disease’s incidence.