Abstract:
Background: Ascaris lumbricoides remains a significant public health
concern, especially in settings with poor sanitation. Prevalence, transmission
dynamics, and knowledge at the population level can inform the
implementation of enhanced control. This study establishes the infection rate
of A. lumbricoides in the Iraqi population, investigates factors associated with
sociodemographics contributing to infection, and explores diversity in egg
morphology
Patients and Methods: A total of 110 participants were involved in this crosssectional study. Stool samples collected from each participant were examined
microscopically for the presence of A. lumbricoides eggs. The
sociodemographic data collected include age, gender, residence, educational
status, occupation, hand-washing habits, and household size, as determined
through structured questionnaires. Associations of these variables with
infection rates were analyzed using various statistical tools. Egg morphologydecorticated and mamillated eggs- was investigated.
Results: The overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides was 14.64%, with a higher
rate amongst rural residents, 9.09%, compared to urban people, 4.54%
(p=0.0067). The infection rates were also strongly inversely related to
education level; the highest rate was among those with no education, 7.27%
(p<0.00001). A low infection rate was significantly associated with washing
hands before meals (p<0.00001). The morphology varied, with the fertilized
eggs showing both mamillated and decorticated morphology, while the eggs
from the unfertilized females were larger, with disorganized contents
internally.
Conclusion: This study reflects that high infection burdens with A.
lumbricoides are significantly associated with sociodemographic variables,
particularly education, hygiene practices, and rural residency. The diversity
observed for egg morphology underlines further complications in the parasite's
transmission and adaptation to environments. Sanitation improvement and
extension programs may reduce the burden of infections caused by A.
lumbricoides in Iraq.
