Impact of Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis Infections on Serum Leptin Levels and Hematological Parameters in Children

Background: Parasitic infections in children are the main cause of many health-related problems including anemia, loss of appetite and retardation of growth and development. Objective: This study aimed to determine serum leptin levels in children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis, and to evaluate haematological parameters compared to healthy controls. Methods: The study included 180 children with gastrointestinal symptoms aged from 1 to 15 years. Information regarding personal data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and stool and blood samples were obtained. The control group was 35 healthy children. Stool samples were examination for detection of different intestinal parasites, while hematological parameters and serum leptin levels were determined. Results: The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and E.vermicularis were 20(11.11%) and 40(22.22%) respectively, with an overall infection rate of 33.33%. The serum leptin was positively correlated with the age. Helminth infected children had significantly lower (P < 0.05) RBC count hemoglobin, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC than their control cohorts. By contrast, total leukocyte counts and the percentages of lymphocytes, neutrophils and mixed cells markedly increased (P < 0.001). Iron deficiency anaemia was significantly associated with A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis infections (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The high prevalence of ascariasis and enterobiasis (33.33%) is suggesting that these infections continue to be a public health problem. Leptin concentration differed significantly in infected children of different age groups and may be involved in the pathology of parasitic disease.