Impact of Enterobius vermicularis infection on biochemical parameters in the blood of children in Erbil Province, Iraq

BACKGROUND: Enterobius vermicularis is an intestinal helminthic parasite that causes a gastrointestinal infection called enterobiasis. Children are more susceptible to infection than adults. The current study aimed to explore the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection among children in Erbil City concerning demographic factors and certain blood parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 505 children (3-10 years). Cellophane tape samples and blood samples were taken from participants. The cellophane tape samples were examined microscopically, whereas blood samples were examined using the auto-analyzer and Cobas. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 27.13%, and the infection rate was non-significantly (P = 0.371) higher in females (28.85%) than in males (25.31%). The incidence of enterobiasis was directly proportional to family size. This study demonstrated that the mean serum total protein and iron levels were significantly decreased in infected children, while other trace element levels were not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of E. vermicularis is relatively lower than that in previous studies. Serum total protein and iron levels significantly decreased in the enterobiasis-positive group.