Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Erbil, Iraq.

Background: Infections with intestinal parasites are the major cause of infectious disease globally and have been described as a public health issue in developing countries.

Objective: This study aimed to determine prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated factors among the population of Erbil province in Iraq over the period 2011-2021.

Methods: The results of 614455 stool examinations of all public health facilities of the province were collected from the register in the directorate of preventive health affairs and the data were analyzed.

Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 4.24 % in the province. The total number of reported cases of intestinal parasites decreased from 4352 for 2011 to 1728 for 2018 and then increased to 2014 cases for 2021. Nearly half of the intestinal parasitic infections were detected among age group of 15 to 44 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was higher in males (65.73 %) than females (34.27 %). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 9 0.47 % for protozoan infections, while the rate of helminth infection was lower (9 .53 %). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar were the most common parasite (60.92 %) followed by Giardia lamblia (29.54 %) and Enterobius vermicularis (8.56 %). Prevalence of infection with intestinal parasites was lowest in March and highest in February.

Conclusion: In spite of that intestinal parasitic infection rates appear to be decreasing, intestinal parasitic infection remains an important health problem in the province. Therefore, there is still a need for prevention efforts in the community.