The Impact of <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> Infection on Vitamin B ₁₂ and Ferritin Levels in Children: A Study in Al-Muthanna City, Iraq

Introduction: Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive and pathogenic protozoan responsible for amoebiasis and significantly contributes to diarrheal disease in developing countries. This research aims to evaluate the association of Entamoeba histolytica infection with some blood parameters, especially its effect on vitamin B12 absorption and ferritin levels in children. Methods: A total of 25 stool specimens and blood were obtained from pediatric patients (aged 1–6 years, both male and female) presenting with moderate to severe diarrhea, and 25 others from healthy children’s blood as a control group. These samples were collected from November 2023 to February 2024 from Al-Hussain Educational General Hospital and selected private diagnostic laboratories in Al-Muthanna City. All cases were microscopically confirmed to be positive for E. histolytica infection. This process involves using fresh stool samples for wet mounts, permanently stained slides, and concentrates prepared with iodine staining. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in serum vitamin B12 levels between the infected patients and healthy controls. The results demonstrated a marked reduction in vitamin B12 concentrations among children infected with E. histolytica compared to their healthy counterparts regarding serum ferritin levels. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between infected and healthy children, with a P value of 0.001 at the 0.05 significance level. The data demonstrated a pronounced decrease in ferritin concentrations among children infected with E. histolytica compared to the healthy control group. Conclusion: The results showed that ferritin and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in children infected with E. histolytica compared to the control group.