Zinc is an important component of the immune response and the immune-regulation against parasitic infections. This study aimed to find out the relation between Zinc deficiency and intestinal parasitic infections among children. A cross sectional, comparative study was conducted from December2012 to July 2013 on children attending the outpatient clinic of the Pediatric department of Benha University Hospital. The study included 129 children. They were of both sexes and their age ranged from four to ten years. The serum of the children was examined for the level of Zinc. Stool examination was done . The results revealed that the low Zinc group constitute 69 % while the normal Zinc group constitute 31%. Low Zinc group reported higher parasitic infections regarding Entamaeba histolytica (55.1 %), Giardia lamblia (49.4%), Hymenolipes nana (13.5%) and Ascaris lumbricoides(1.1%) with statistically significant results only for giardiasis .Also variable gastro intestinal manifestations were higher among the low zinc group as abdominal pain (41.6%), diarrhea (29.2%), abdominal distention (27%) and anorexia (14.6%) with statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding abdominal pain and anorexia. Male children (60.7%), school children (59.6%), underweight (78.7%) and who had diarrhea had low zinc level .Regarding the relation between zinc level and age, there was negative correlation between zinc level and age yet it is insignificant. This study reveals an evidence about the relationship between zinc deficiency and parasitic infections among children. National-level programs to combat childhood Zinc deficiency should be initiated and promoted at the primary health care level. |
