Prevalence of G. lamblia among Children in Duhok City-North of Iraq

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite, which is a worldwide distribution that causes a disease called Giardiasis. The disease is common in warm and moist climates throughout the world and particularly in children's institutions. The prevalence of G. lamblia among the examined children was studied from October 2001 to July 2002. This study was conducted in Duhok city, a town situated in Kurdistan region at the north part of Iraq. A total of 1261 stool specimens were collected from children of different ages of both sexes in primary schools, kindergartens, day care centers, orphan care centers and Heviey pediatric hospital. The samples were collected every day during this period except holidays. All stool specimens were examined microscopically by direct and concentration methods for the presence of G. lamblia. A total of 84 stool samples were selected and tested by ELISA Test (42 positive for G. lamblia and 42 negative for any intestinal parasites by the microscopic examination). The reasons for high infection rate with G. lamblia and the effects of other factors were discussed, sensitivity and specificity of ELISA in comparison with microscopic examination was discussed too.