Impact of giardiasis on haematological and biochemical profiles among children in Tikrit city, Iraq
Ministry of Education Directorate General of Salahuddin Education.
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 11(01), 019–023.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.11.1.0053
Publication history:
Received on 23 May 2026; revised on 12 July 2026; accepted on 15 July 2026
Abstract:
Background: Giardiasis is an important public health problem in many parts of the world, including developing areas where it has been shown to be a leading cause of malnutrition and systemic complications among children. This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among children in Tikrit city, Iraq, and its effect on some hematological and biochemical parameters.
Methods: A study was performed from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. In total, 342 stool specimens were collected from children aged 1–12 years who referred to Tikrit hospitals and private clinics. Confirmation of diagnosis was done using standard direct wet mount microscopy. Venous blood analysis was performed with an automated hematology analyzer for complete blood counts, and the serum biochemical profiles (total protein, albumin, and globulin) were measured using spectrophotometric commercial kits. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student's t-test.
Results: The prevalence of G. lamblia infection was 11.7% (40/342 children). Infection rate was higher in male (6.73%) as compared to female children (4.97%). The maximum infection was in the age group of 5-8 years (5.50%) and minimum among the patients aged from 1 to less than4 years(1.80%). The infected children showed a marked and significant reduction in hemoglobin (8.64 g/dl) and packed cell volume(27.71%) with a significantly increased total white blood cell counts still statistically greater than the controls as 11.12×109/L(P <0.05). Furthermore, serum biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease in both total protein and albumin levels for infected children relative to healthy controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, a significant increase of about one-third in globulin concentrations within the children's sera was statistically significant (p<0.025).
Conclusions: Giardia lamblia infection is highly prevalent among children aged 5–8 years in this region. The parasite causes significant pathophysiological effects, commonly involving microcytic anemia, high levels of systemic leukocytosis and protein losing enteropathy. Routine screening is highly suggested to address the chronic developmental risk in infected pediatric populations, along with early therapeutic intervention and introducing micro-nutritional support.
Keywords:
Giardia lamblia; Children; Haematological parameters; Biochemical profiles; Anemia; Iraq.
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