Prevalence of Amoebiasis and Estimation of Certain Cytokines (IL-17, IFN- γ and TNF- α) in Children with Amoebic Infection in Sulaimani Province / Iraq

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of amoebic infection in Sulaymaniyah province and measuring of some immunological parameters among amoebic infected children. Methods: The current study was carried out in the pediatric teaching hospital in Sulaymaniyah governorate from September to December 2021. A total of 560 stool samples were collected from diarrheal children for direct microscopical examination. Also, in a case-control study serum was taken from 80 infected children and 80 parasite-free children for estimation of IL-17, IFN- γ and TNF-α levels using the ELISA technique. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS program, using Chi-square and ANOVA test. P ≤ 0.05 consider a significant difference. Results: The total prevalence of amoebic infection was (16.1%), males recorded a higher infection rate was (17.7%), while the female was (14.3%), (p >0.05). The age group between (1-6) years had a significantly higher prevalence (21.5%), while those under than (1 year) old was recorded the lowest lower infection rate (7.54%), (p < 0.05). Prevalenc in rural (20.3%), in urban (13.8%), (p < 0.05). The patients who used general tap water for drinking recorded the highest rate of infection (19%).The highest prevalence documented in September (19.5%,) followed by October (16 %), then November (11.2%), without significant difference, (p > 0.05). The highest amoebic infection rate was recorded in those children whose mother was illiterate (19.8%). Serum levels of IL-17 were not significantly different between infected children and control groups, (P >0.05);however, IFN γ level was reported to be significantly different (P <0.05) While, TNF-α serum level recorded a highly significant difference, (P<0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that the prevalence of amoebic infection was (16.1%) in Sulaymaniyah province among symptomatic children based on the microscopic diagnosis. The immunological assessment of IL-17 showed that there was no significant difference between infected and control individuals, while the rest of IFN- γ and TNF-α documented significant and highly significant differences respectively.