Predominance of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites in children: A brief review

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major diseases of concern to public health throughout the world (WHO, 1987). About 25% of world’s population suffers from one or more kinds of intestinal parasitic infections (helminthes/protozoa). Children because of their complex nutritional requirements and less developed immune systems are observed to be the principal sufferers of these parasitic infections (Scrimshaw, 1994). Moreover they have an extremely delicate physiology which can result in severe upsetting of their biochemical and physiological processes associated with these infections. Intestinal protozoan parasites can affect children in a variety of ways; they cause mal-absorption, reduced growth, increased risk for protein energy malnutrition, reduced psychomotor development and anaemia. This report addresses Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Entamoeba as the main parasitic protozoa of concern among children worldwide.