The prevalence of parasitic protozoan diseases in Iraq, 2016

Parasitic diseases including leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, malaria, giardiasis and amoebiasis are all globally wide spread with harmful consequences. The present study was carried out to provide information on the prevalence of these diseases in Iraq in 2016. The data was gathered from the Communicable Diseases Control Center, Parasitology and Helminthology Units in Baghdad from January 2016 until June 2016. The data analysis was based on results of transmitted parasitic protozoan diseases tests that were done by the laboratory system service. The results of this study showed that Diala governorate recorded the highest rate of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis infection (21.91%, 13.85%) respectively. On the other hand, Najaf and Misan governorate showed the highest rates of toxoplasmosis prevalence (20.00%). No infections with malaria were recorded in Iraq in 2016. In addition, Baghdad-Karkh showed the highest rates of giardiasis and amoebiasis (20.21%, 12.72%) respectively. The ratio of males infected with visceral leishmaniasis was 53.28%, while the female ratio was 46.72%. The ratio of males for cutaneous leishmaniasis was 55.34% while the female ratio was 44.66%. Regarding toxoplasmosis, the male ratio was 1.49% and the female ratio was 98.51%. Moreover, the main age group of individuals infected with visceral leishmaniasis was the group1-4 years which recorded the highest rate of 62.04% while the main age group of individuals infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis was the group 5–14 years which recorded the highest rate of 37.81%. The main age group of individuals infected with toxoplasmosis was the age group 15–45 years which recorded the highest rate of 97.91%. This epidemiological study provides valuable data that are essential to plan strategies to control parasitic diseases in Iraq.