Levels Estimation of Iron, Zinc and Copper in the Serum of Children Infected with Giardiasis

Abstract

Giardiasis is an infection in the small intestine, it’s caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. In this study, we examined stool samples for 75 children, 1–12 years old during the period from August to November 2023 from children who attended a pediatric hospital in Kirkuk city, and we estimated the levels of iron, zinc, and copper in these children. A stool examination was done for all samples to detect cysts or trophozoites of Giardia lamblia. Also, we measured the levels of iron, zinc, and copper by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest rate of parasite infection (66.7%) was recorded in the age group (4–6 )years old. Serum iron and copper levels considerably decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to the control group.   It was noted that most of the infected children suffer from abdominal pain with intermittent diarrhea.