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Effect of Blastocystis sp. infection on hematological parameters and trace element status in children with
Doaa A Hamdy1, Sameh S Fahmey2, Wegdan M Abd El Wahab1
1Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
Insights
Blastocystis infection significantly increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. This parasitic infection impairs micronutrient absorption, contributing to anemia and associated health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major global health concern in children.
- Parasitic infections, including Blastocystis sp., are known contributors to IDA.
- Understanding the specific role of Blastocystis in pediatric IDA is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Blastocystis sp. infection in children with IDA.
- To assess the association between Blastocystis infection and IDA risk.
- To evaluate serum levels of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A in infected and non-infected children with IDA.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 90 children with IDA and 90 non-anemic controls.
- Diagnosis of Blastocystis sp. via direct stool examination and in vitro cultivation.
- Measurement of hematological parameters and serum levels of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis sp. prevalence was significantly higher in children with IDA (55.6%) compared to controls (17.8%).
- Blastocystis-infected children were 5.78 times more likely to have anemia.
- IDA children with Blastocystis showed decreased serum iron, zinc, vitamin A, and increased copper levels.
Conclusions:
- Blastocystis infection is a significant risk factor for developing IDA in Egyptian children.
- The parasite disrupts metabolic processes, impairing micronutrient and vitamin A absorption.
- This study highlights the importance of addressing parasitic infections in pediatric anemia management.
Abstract:
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which causes greater morbidity and mortality in children, has multifactorial causes, including many helminthic and protozoal infections. Herein, the study aimed to find out the frequency and associated risk of Blastocystis sp. infection among children with IDA, together with the estimation of the serum levels of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A. Both stool and blood samples were obtained from 90 children with a confirmed diagnosis of IDA and 90 non-anemic children. Blastocystis sp. was diagnosed by direct stool examination and Invitro cultivation methods. Different hematological parameters were recorded, and the serum level of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A was measured in serum samples. The overall predominance of Blastocystis in children was 36.7%, significantly higher (P < 0.001) in children with IDA (55.6%) compared to non-anemic controls (17.8%). Furthermore, Blastocystis infected children were 5.781 times more prone to be anemic (OR = 5.781). All IDA cases with positive Blastocystis infection had a mean hemoglobin level of 9.55 g/dl (moderate anemia). While in other non-infected IDA cases, it was 9.56 g/dl, showing no statistical difference (P = 0.845). Serum levels of zinc, iron, and vitamin A considerably decreased, whereas serum copper levels significantly increased in IDA children infected with Blastocystis. The current research is the first in Egypt to indicate that Blastocystis infection in children is a high-risk factor for developing IDA. Blastocystis infection significantly alters the metabolic and biochemical processes and interferes with the absorption of micronutrients and vitamin A in IDA children.
