Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Beta Thalassemia Major and Aplastic Anemia in Diwaniyah Province

Abstract

Beta- thalassemia major (B-TM) and aplastic anemia are among the most complex chronic diseases because they are associated with serious complications as microbial infections. Current study aimed to isolation Intestinal parasite and evaluation their  role in B-TM and Aplastic Anemia complications in Diwaniyah Province. Methods: This study included 50 children with B-TM and 53 children with aplastic anemia, we confirmed the clinical examinations by Lab diagnosis in Thalassemia Center, and the Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital. Lab diagnosis included; Complete blood count and blood film method, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, Reticulocyte count, iron test, blood groups and general stool examination. Results: The current study included 50 children B-TM their ages ranged from 2 to 11 years, with an average age of 4.13 years and 53 children suffering from aplastic anemia, their ages ranged from 2 to 12 years, with  age mean is 6.22 years. The results of the isolation and diagnosis of intestinal parasites showed that 70% of thalassemia patients suffer from intestinal parasitic infections represented by Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Ascaris lumbricoide, Ancylostoma duodenale and Strongyloides stercoralis by percentage 14%, 37%, 14%,  20% and 9% and 6% respectively. We also found that 62% of anemic patients suffered from intestinal parasitic infections that included Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Ascaris lumbricoide, Ancylostoma duodenale and Strongyloides stercoralis in rate 6%, 15%, 18%, 30%, 6% and 24% respectively. In conclusion: Intestinal parasites pose a significant risk of B-TM and aplastic anemia patients.