Correlation Between Nutritional Status and Giardia lamblia Infection of Primary Schoolchildren in Al-khalis City

Abstract

Objective: Malnutrition is produced and perpetuated in a complex pattern in the tropical countries where it is endemic. Gut parasites could produce malnutrition. In children, giardiasis is more often associated with diarrhea and malabsorption. Materials: Stool samples were random collected from 289 students(142 males and 147 females) between the ages 6–14 from khalis city hospital during 2008-2009. Height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) parameters have been used in the present study to determine the nutrition status. Results: A total percentage of malnutrition (wasting, stunting and BMI) were 37.7 %, 73.7% and 49.5% against 62.3%, 26.3% and 50.5 were normal, respectively. No significant differences observed between boys and girls and according to age groups. A parasitological stool examination result showed Giardia lamblia in only 11.4% of children. There was evidence of 15.6%, 14.1% and 14% of malnutrition status by W/H, H/Age and BMI concepts, respectively were associated with positive giardiasis. Conclusion: The study concluded that gairdiasis could be a factor participate with other hygienic social factors that effect on nutritional status in primary school children in khalis city.