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[Study of anemia in giardiasis intestinalis in Tunisian preschool children]
T Gharbi1, E Chaker, J Boughedir
1Institut National de Nutrition, C.H.U La Rabta.
Insights
Giardiasis intestinalis is common in Tunisian preschoolers, affecting over a third of children surveyed. This parasitic infection is linked to a higher prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia, highlighting the need for improved sanitation and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Prospective study conducted in a semi-urban area near Tunis, Tunisia.
- Survey period: February to November 1997.
- Involved 302 children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in preschool-aged children.
- To investigate the relationship between Giardiasis intestinalis and iron-deficiency anemia.
Summary:
- Anemia prevalence was 31.78% in the study population.
- Parasitological analysis revealed a 37.41% infection rate, with Giardia Lamblia being the predominant pathogen (62% of infections).
- Anemia was present in 19.78% of all children and 23.17% of those with Giardiasis. Polyparasitism affected 16% of infected children.
Impact:
- Findings suggest Giardiasis may contribute to anemia through malabsorption syndromes.
- Highlights the need for sanitary education, water purification, and treatment to reduce parasitic disease morbidity.
- Emphasizes the public health importance of addressing parasitic infections in young children.
Abstract:
The present work is based upon a prospective in study done in a semi-urban area of suburbs of Tunis, from february to November 1997. A total of 302 children aged between 6 month to 5 years were enrolled in the survey. The study aimed at assessing the extention of parasitoses in preschool aged children. The relationship between the Giardiasis intestinalis and ferropenic anemia. The prevalence of anemia is 31.78% (n = 302). The parasitologic analysis has shown that 113 children out of 302 are infected; 37.41%. We observed an obvious predominance of Giardia Lamblia: 62% (n = 113) pathogenic protozoon. The rate of anemia parasited children is amounted to 19.78%. During the Giardiasis, anemia is present in 23.17% of the cases. The Polyparasitism concerns 16% of the infested children. This anemia could be caused by a global bad absorption syndrome or by a ferro-elective bad absorption. A proper sanitary education, a purification action and also a curative treatment of the beaners carriers will be the only guarantees to decrease its morbidity.