Epidemiological Investigation of Hymenolepis nana Infection Among Laboratory Visitors in Erbil Province

Abstract

Hymenolepis nana, commonly known as the dwarf tapeworm, is a prevalent intestinal parasite found in regions characterized by high population density and inadequate sanitation. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Hymenolepis nana infections among patients visiting the public health laboratory management-Erbil, Iraq, from September 2024 to May 2025. A cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing a total of 337 stool samples through direct smear microscopy. The overall infection rate was identified at 7.12%, with a higher incidence in males 4.45% compared to females 2.67%. The age group of 21-30 years exhibited the highest infection rate 33.33%. The majority of infected individuals were cleaners 33.33%, followed by workers 16.67% and chefs 16.67%. By nationality, the largest proportion of cases came from Bangladeshi nationals 45.83%, with local nationals constituting 25% of infections, and co-infection with Hymenolepis nana and Entamoeba histolytica in 9 cases 37.5% were positive, also 3 cases 12.5% had co-infection with Hymenolepis nana and Giardia lamblia.