Association Between Entamoeba histolytica Infection and Chronic Urticaria Among Children in Wasit Province, Iraq

Author(s): Donia Fadhel Abass
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

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Abstract

Chronic urticaria is a disease that occurs repeatedly on the skin with wheals, itching and erythema for 
more than six weeks. Chronic urticaria may be allergic and/or immunological and related to intestinal 
parasites, especially Entamoeba histolytica. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between 
infection with Entamoeba histolytica and chronic urticaria in children living in Wasit Province, Iraq. The 
study was a case-control study that included 100 children aged 2–15 years, 50 of whom had chronic 
urticaria and 50 healthy controls. Examination of the stool was performed by microscopy for the presence 
of Entamoeba histolytica, and the eosinophil count and serum IgE levels were measured. Compared to the 
control group, the urticaria patients had a noticeably higher prevalence of E. histolytica. Infected patients 
also showed elevated eosinophil counts and serum IgE levels. Statistical analysis revealed a significant 
association between parasitic infection and chronic urticaria (p < 0.05).  The early diagnosis and treatment 
of parasitic infections could be beneficial in the management of chronic urticaria. 

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