Clinical Presentation and Complications of Amoebiasis Among Pediatric Patients in Western Libya

Abstract

Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, remains a leading cause of gastrointestinal illness among children, especially in low-resource areas like western Libya. This descriptive study, conducted in August 2025 at the pediatric clinic of Sabratha Polyclinic, aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, and parasitic findings in children aged 6 months to 15 years with gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery. A total of 40 children were included, with stool samples examined for E. histolytica, E. dispar, and other intestinal parasites. Results showed 47.5% had E. histolytica, 37.5% had Enterobius vermicularis, and 15% had no parasites. Watery stools were found in 82.5%, and mucus in stool was linked to amoebic infections. Infected children had lower weight and height, indicating an impact on growth and nutrition. The prevalence and clinical features mirrored findings from studies in Libya and other countries like Iraq, Ethiopia, and Ghana. The study's reliance on microscopy without molecular diagnostics is a limitation, as it cannot differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic E. histolytica, potentially overstating disease prevalence. The study highlights the ongoing burden of amoebiasis in western Libya, stressing the need for improved diagnostics, nutritional support, hygiene education, and public health interventions to reduce transmission and enhance child health outcomes.