Study of Intestinal Parasites and Their Effects on Some Blood Parameters Among Children Suffering from Diarrhea in Zakho district - Iraq.

Background and Objective: The intestinal parasite infection is one of the major health problems in developing countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas in children. Hence, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and effects on some blood parameters among diarrheic children from October 2024 to May 2025 in Zakho district, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 403 diarrhea children among the ages (<1-15 years) in Hospital and camp in Zakho city. The stool was examined microscopic by direct wet mount and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and also for hematological study. Sixty samples from infected children and 30 samples from non-infected children, the blood was examined by a blood analyzer. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infectionwas 33.25%. Three species of intestinal parasites recorder: Entamoeba spp. (63.43%), Cryptosporidium spp. (44.77%), and Giardia lamblia (5.22%). The percentage of infection in females was higher than that of males (34.1% vs 32.32%). Also found the high infection in age group 2–5 years, rural residents, and unemployed parents at rates of 36.1%, 37.7%, and 35.1%, respectively. Monthly peaks infection occurred in April and October. The level of hematological parameters (Hb, PCV, and MCV) decreases in the infected children, while the level of WBC and vitamin B12 increases in infected children. Conclusion: These findings highlight a high IPI burden in Zakho, the critical role of environmental, socioeconomic, and hygiene factors. Comprehensive diagnostics and targeted health interventions are crucial to address these parasitic infections and improve child health in the region