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Detection of parasites in children with chronic diarrhea
Salih Maçin1, Filiz Kaya1, Deniz Çağdaş2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Intestinal parasite infections are common in children with chronic diarrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment of these infections are crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chronic diarrhea in children can significantly impact quality of life.
- The role of intestinal parasites in pediatric chronic diarrhea requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pediatric patients presenting with chronic diarrhea.
- To highlight the clinical significance of identifying parasitic pathogens in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 pediatric patients with chronic diarrhea was studied.
- Stool samples were analyzed for the presence of intestinal parasites between June 2012 and October 2014.
Main Results:
- Parasitic infections were detected in a subset of the pediatric patients.
- Commonly identified parasites included Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Enterobius vermicularis.
- Multiple parasitic infections were observed in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a relevant cause of chronic diarrhea in children and should not be overlooked.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in patients with chronic diarrhea and clarify the importance of these parasitic pathogens in such cases. A total of 60 pediatric patients with chronic diarrhea between June 2012 and October 2014 were enrolled in the study. Out of 60 stool samples, five were positive for Giardia lamblia, two, Dientamoeba fragilis, and one, Blastocystis hominis. One stool sample was positive for Entamoeba hartmanni and B. hominis, another one was positive for G. lamblia and B. hominis, another, G. lamblia and E. hartmanni and one sample was positive for Enterobius vermicularis, D. fragilis and B. hominis together. Parasitic infection, which decreases quality of life and increases susceptibility to other infections, should not be neglected, particularly in patients with chronic diarrhea. Accurate diagnosis decreases morbidity and mortality in patients with parasite infection.
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