Abstract

Background: Children with diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to be at an increased risk of infections; however, little is known about the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among them. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients in Pediatrics Zagazig University Hospitals as well as the risk factors involved in the acquisition of these parasitic infections.

Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 185 type 1 diabetic patients from November 2017 to November 2018. Full history, general examination, random blood sugar test (RBS), Hb and hemoglobin A1c levels were performed for each participant. Fresh faecal samples were collected transported and examined by direct wet, iodine stained smears, formol-ether concentration and modified ziehl neelsen staining. The rates of parasitic infections were calculated and data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: The rate of parasitic infection was (27%). The most detected infection in our study was Cryptosporidium followed by B. hominis, G. lamblia and H. nana, the rate of infection with protozoa especially opportunistic ones was higher than helminthic infections. A high significant association P(?0.001) between intestinal opportunistic parasitic infection and diabetic status regarding HbA1c, RBS and DKA.

Conclusion: Patients with DM might be at an increased risk of infection with intestinal parasites specifically opportunistic infections causing regression in their anthropometric measures and HB levels and so, routine stools examination should be considered for them.

Keywords

diabetes mellitus (DM), T1DM patients, intestinal parasitic infections and diabetic status