Alteration in Liver Function Biomarkers among Patients Infected with Entamoeba histolytica at Tikrit City
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Entamoeba histolytica, often known as E. histolytica, is a facultative protozoan parasite thatis linked to amoebic liver abscesses, which are the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. This study aims to ascertain the levels of liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in patients infected with E. histolytica. This study involved collecting 90 stool samples from patients with diarrhea at Tikrit Teaching Hospital between September 2025, and January 2026. The patients ranged in age from 1 to 12 years and included both sexes. The results showed an overall infection rate of E. histolytica 61.1%. The infection rate among males was 59.1%, while it was 63% among females. The results of the study, indicate significant difference in ALT and AST level in patients infected with E. histolytica (33.18 ± 5.03, 37.50 ± 5.32) as compared with control at a p-value < 0.05. While non-significant differences in ALP in patients infected with E. histolytica as compared with control at a p-value > 0.05. In conclusion, E. histolytica infection was associated predominantly with hepatocellular enzyme alterations. Routine liver function testing may aid in the early detection of hepatic involvement in amoebiasis, even in the absence of overt liver disease.
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