Detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool specimens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The aim of this study in Iraq was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA test for detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool. Of 84 stool samples from children in Duhok governorate, 42 were positive and 42 negative for G. lamblia or other parasites by direct and indirect microscopic examination. The sensitivity of the ELISA test for detection of G. lamblia versus microscopy was 76.4% and the specificity was 100%. We recommend using ELISA in epidemiological surveys in Iraq and to confirm the diagnosis in patients with typical clinical symptoms of giardiasis but negative results by direct microscopy

Frequency of Giardia lamblia among children in Dohuk, northern Iraq

Out of 1261 stool specimens collected from children in Dohuk city, northern Iraq, the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection was 38.5%. The highest rate of infection was in orphan care centres [48.1%] and the lowest in the paediatric hospital [31.3%]. The age group 10- 12 years had the highest rate [81.2%] and 7- 9 years the lowest [22.9%]; boys had a higher rate than girls. Some infected samples [70/ 486] showed double or triple infections and G. lamblia was combined with Hymenolepis nana, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Iodamoeba buetschlii

Trichomonas tenax in Basrah, Iraq

One hundred and fortythree swabs from diseased mouths and 271 from healthy controls were examined by direct wet smear method for Trichomonas tenax. Negative swabs were cultured on suitable media. The frequency of trichomonas tenax was 8.4% and 4.1% in diseased and controls respectively. Of 23 positive samples, 14 [3.3%] were positive on direct wet smear method and 9 [2.1%] were positive on culture method. There were 12 males and 11 females. Highest frequency of infection [6.7%] was found in 6-10 years age group and lowest [3.7%] in 11 -20 years group. Only 1% university students were positive