Prevalence and Epidemiological Patterns of Entamoeba histolytica Infection among Children in Western Libya: A Comparative Study of 2023 and 2024

Saleha A.  Algusbi1, Safa M.  Alabyad2, Sajeda H. Abosbea3, Sahar A. Algrawi4, Nusseibah M. Alsharif5, Fatema F. Kassap6, Ayat A. Alhalak7

Authors

Saleha A. Algusbi1, Safa M. Alabyad2, Sajeda H. Abosbea3, Sahar A. Algrawi4, Nusseibah M. Alsharif5, Fatema F. Kassap6, Ayat A. Alhalak7 Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Sabratha Author

Keywords:

Amebiasis, Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), Children, Western Libya

Abstract

Background: Amebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. The infection mainly spread through the fecal-oral route, infected food and water, and bad hygiene. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among children in Western Libya during 2023 and 2024, using data collected from some laboratories. Methods: A total of 250 cases with ages ranging from one month to 14 years were included. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square (χ²) test in SPSS software (version 26.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A significant level of < 0.05 was used to assess the associations between the number of Entamoeba histolytica infections and variables such as number of cases, month, and gender. Results: In 2023, the overall cases were 104. The highest infection rates occurred during the warmer months, particularly in May (18 cases, 17%) and June (18 cases, 17%). A significant monthly variation was observed based on the Chi-squar test (χ² = 32.86, p-value = 0.0007). In contrast, in 2024, the total number of cases increased to 146, which represents to a 40% increase compared to the previous year. The highest number of infections was recorded during the cold months, with November (24 cases, 16%) and December (30 cases, 20%). The Chi-squar test (χ² = 28.77) p-value showed statistically significant variation across months (P < 0.05). Males were slightly more affected than females, accounting for about 58% of cases, however, there was no significant association between gender and infection rates in both years (2023: χ² = 2.31, p = 0.128; 2024: χ² = 3.42, p = 0.064). Most of the affected children were under 14 years of age, with a few newborn children who were 1 month old becoming infected. In 2024, there was a noticeable change, with the majority of infections occurring during the colder months, whereas in 2023, the majority of cases occurred during the warmer months. Conclusion: The results indicate that infections are on the rise and no longer solely occur on the warmer months as previously believed. In order to protect children during is a critical requirement for improved awareness, hygiene practices, and early prevention initiatives.

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