Merve Aleyna İLTEROĞLU, Meryem YEŞİL ÇOLAK, Erkan DOĞAN
İstanbul Medical Journal - 2026;27(3):212-218
Introduction: Parasitic gastroenteritis is a major cause of gastrointestinal complaints in children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical findings of parasitic infections in pediatric patients. We also analysed the distribution by age groups and seasonal patterns, compared the detection rate and diagnostic yield of different methods, and investigated associations between clinical findings and specific parasites. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in 300 pediatric patients who presented to Karabük Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal symptoms. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and stool characteristics (such as consistency and appearance) were systematically recorded for each patient. All clinical samples were analysed for gastrointestinal parasites using various diagnostic methods, including macroscopic examination, direct microscopy, flotation, concentration methods, and the immunochromatographic rapid test (ICT). The detection rates were compared, and correlations between clinical findings and parasite infections were analysed. Results: Parasitic infections were detected in 26% of children, with the highest susceptibility observed in infants and young children. Among pediatric patients, the most common symptoms were diarrhoea (36.7%), abdominal pain (30.3%), fever (25.7%), and colitis (25.3%). The predominant pathogens were Entamoeba histolytica (22.7%), followed by Blastocystis hominis (6%) and Giardia duodenalis (4%). Cryptosporidium parvum appeared to be more frequently observed in patients with abdominal pain and diarrhoea; Enterobius vermicularis was more frequently observed in febrile patients. Rapid ICT showed a higher detection rate (23.3%) than traditional microscopy (22.7%). The consistency of watery, mucous stools was a significant clinical predictor of parasitic infection (p<0.05). Positive cases peaked in autumn, particularly in September. Conclusion: ICTs showed a higher detection rate than the conventional microscopic method in this study. The correlation between stool consistency and parasitic infection serves as an important diagnostic clue for paediatricians in emergency departments and outpatient settings during clinical decision-making.
