Gastrointestinal Parasites in the Iraqi Population (2020–2024): A Literature Review with Public Health and Administrative Significance

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are recognized as a primary cause of intestinal diseases in humans. Hence, the current review has practical implications as it aims to shed light on the most important parasitic causes in Iraq and their prevalence. It further explores epidemiology, prevalence, diversity, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management methods of the major helminth and protozoan infections of humans in Iraq, including amoebiasis, giardiasis, and enterobiasis. The review also seeks to identify the key parasites responsible for substantial public health challenges and to promote further research aimed at monitoring their spread and minimizing associated health risks. Materials and Methods: The research process was rigorous and thorough, spanning from 2020 to 2024. Data collection and analyses were conducted utilizing multiple international and national databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. This meticulous approach ensures the reliability and validity of the findings. The current review covered all regions and the government of Iraq, including the southern, northern, and central provinces. providing a solid foundation for further research and preventive measures. Results: A total of 173 articles were collected and comprehensively reviewed. Among these, 93 articles on the case of Entamoeba histolytica, 61 on the case of Giardia lamblia, and 19 on the case of Enterobius vermicularis were all conducted in Iraq. Conclusion: The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Iraq and other countries remains notably high. This emphasizes the urgent need to implement several measures. Developing various diagnostic methods is crucial, as preventing intestinal parasites requires further research and studies.