WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Reyad Ebraheem Hussien* MBChB CABP, Iman Idriss Yaseen MBChB FIBMS/FM, Zakariya Zuhair Al Hayali MBChB CABP

ABSTRACT

Background: Amoebiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, presents a major public health challenge in developing countries characterized by substandard water sanitation infrastructure. Objectives: This prospective case series aimed to investigate the clinical, macroscopic, biological, and socio-demographic parameters of pediatric amoebiasis cases admitted to Al-Khansaa Maternity and Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Mosul. Methods: From March 1 to June 30, 2014, 96 children under 10 years of age exhibiting diarrheal symptoms and microscopically confirmed E. histolytica trophozoites in fresh stool samples were monitored sequentially. Results: The study cohort comprised 59 males (61.14%) and 37 females (38.54%), establishing a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. Infants aged 1–12 months were highly vulnerable, making up 46.87% (n=45) of cases, with a peak frequency among those aged 6–12 months (32.29%, n=31). Urban residents constituted 63.54% (n=61). Paradoxically, 86.45% (n=83) of infected families utilized municipal tap water. Clinical evaluation showed that 67.7% (n=65) presented with fever (>=38°C), 75% (n=72) with abdominal pain, and 55.2% (n=53) with macroscopically distinct blood and mucus (clinical dysentery). Mild-to-moderate dehydration was identified in 61.4% (n=59), while 3.1% (n=3) suffered severe dehydration. Concomitant stool cultures for dysenteric samples revealed secondary bacterial infestations with Escherichia coli in 22.6% (n=12) and Salmonella in 3.7% (n=2); no Shigella growth was observed. Conclusions: Infant cohorts aged 6–12 months and formula/mixed-fed children exhibit heightened vulnerability. Traditional municipal chlorination proves insufficient against amebic cysts, necessitating mandatory water boiling and targeted dual tissue/luminal therapeutic regimens.

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