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[Hypochromic anemia associated with ascariasis and giardiasis in children]
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)
|June 15, 1989
Insights
Hypochromic anemia is frequently linked to Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia intestinalis infections in children. This study found anemia in 6-16% of infected pediatric patients, highlighting a significant association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Hematology
- Nutritional deficiencies
Context:
- Ascariasis and giardiasis are common helminthic and protozoan infections globally, particularly in children.
- Hypochromic anemia is a prevalent form of anemia characterized by small, pale red blood cells.
- Co-infections with parasitic organisms can exacerbate nutritional deficiencies and lead to anemia.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of hypochromic anemia in children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (ascariasis) and Giardia intestinalis (giardiasis).
- To investigate the association between these specific parasitic infections and the development of hypochromic anemia in a pediatric population.
Summary:
- A study of 5603 children aged 3-18 years found ascariasis in 4% and giardiasis in 1.9%.
- Hypochromic anemia was observed in 6% to 16% of children diagnosed with either ascariasis or giardiasis alone.
- These findings indicate a notable prevalence of hypochromic anemia in children with these common parasitic infections.
Impact:
- Highlights the clinical significance of parasitic infections in pediatric hematology.
- Suggests the need for routine anemia screening in children diagnosed with ascariasis or giardiasis.
- Informs public health strategies for managing parasitic infections and associated anemia in children.
Abstract:
The purpose of the study was determination of the frequency of the association of hypochromic anaemia with infections by Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia intestinalis. Among 5603 studied patients of either sex, aged 3 to 18 years ascaridiasis alone was diagnosed in 226 children (4%), and giardiasis alone in 106 cases (1.9%). The frequency of this anaemia in these groups ranged from 6% to 16%.