Physiological and Immunological Alterations Associated with Enterobius vermicularis Infection Among Children in Some Areas of Northern Dhi Qar, Iraq

Abstract

The intestinal pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) is classified as one of the most influential and widespread intestinal parasites among children, with its effects extending to include varying changes in the host’s vital and immunological indicators. This study aimed to evaluate selected hematological and immunological parameters in children infected with Enterobius vermicularis compared with apparently healthy, uninfected children. The study was conducted in some areas of northern Dhi Qar province, specifically Al-Rifai and Qalat Sukkar, from August 2025 to May 2026, aged 1–10 years. Enterobius vermicularis infection was diagnosed using the adhesive tape (Scotch tape) method. The study sample consisted of 20 infected children, along with a control group consisting of 20 healthy children. The laboratory component included measuring a range of hematological parameters, including hemoglobin concentration (Hb g/dL), red blood cell count (RBC ×10⁶/µL), white blood cell count (WBC ×10³/µL), platelet count (PLT ×10³/µL), packed cell volume (HCT %), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV, fL). The immune status was also assessed by measuring the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA, mg/dL), interleukin-4 (IL-4, pg/mL), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β pg/mL), and by statistically comparing the data obtained between the two groups. The results showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in platelet count (PLT), packed cell volume (HCT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) between infected children and the control group, while other hematological parameters (Hb, RBC, WBC) showed no significant differences. Immunologically, the study observed statistically significant increases in both IgA and TGF-β levels in the infected group, coupled with no significant change in IL-4 levels compared to the healthy group.