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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2017; 12(04): 209-213
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603576
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Impact of Intestinal Parasitic Infections on the Health Status of Children: An Overview

Nagwa Mostafa El-Sayed
1   Department of Medical Parasitology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
,
Manar Ezzelarab Ramadan
2   Department of Parasitology, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

25 July 2016

18 August 2016

Publication Date:
13 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) represent a major public health problem in children worldwide, especially in the developing countries. The impact of these infections on the health status of children depends on the parasite species, the intensity and course of infection, and nutritional and immunological status of the children. Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Ancylostoma duodenale are the most frequent intestinal parasites found among children. This review discussed the main consequences resulting from IPIs as diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition, impaired growth, and learning disabilities.

Keywords

children - intestinal parasitic infection - diarrhea - anemia - malnutrition - impaired growth - learning disabilities
 

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