1023 Parasitic Infections in Children Under 2 Years Old From Rural Areas and Their Relationship with Micronutrients Deficiencies

Background:Micronutrients deficiencies such as iron or zinc deficiency were shown to be associated with parasitic infections. Objective: Our objective was the detection of parasitic infections in a group of children from rural areas of Constanta County and the correlation with the presence of microcytic anemia and iron and zinc deficiencies. Material and Methods: 455 clinically children were biologically analyzed, to determine their micronutrient status and relationship to parasitic illnesses. Blood samples were collected to detect hemoglobin, iron and zinc serum levels. Patients were also collected a blood sample for immunologic tests (detection of toxocara antibodies) and 3 stools samples to detect the presence of intestinal parasites. Results: 39% were diagnosed with microcytic hypochromic anemia and 27% had a latent iron deficiency. In 28% of children was revealed a low zinc level. Prevalence of both iron and zinc deficiency was identified in 9.2% of cases. Of all children with deficiencies 29% were diagnosed as infected with Giardia, 12% with Ascaris lumbricoides and 34% had anti-Toxocara antibodies. Children with anemia and iron deficiency without anemia were diagnosed with the following parasitic infections: Giardia 14%, and 1.9% Ascaris lumbricoides, 7% had anti-Toxocara antibodies. In zinc deficient group were found: 34% infected with Giardia, 14% with Ascaris lumbricoides., 36% with anti-Toxocara antibodies. Conclusions: Iron and zinc deficiencies of micronutrients are major deficiencies in children younger than 2 years. The presence of deficiencies of micronutrients and high prevalence of parasitic diseases in this age group raises issues of implementation of effective prevention programs.