DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i11.045

Pages: 4541-4545

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible alteration of serum copper, caeruloplasmin, and iron in children infected with Giardia lamblia in various age groups. In Kirkuk, North Iraq, 50 patients in a paediatric hospital infected with G. lamblia were included in this study. Age- and sex-matched patients and the control group were categorised into five age groups. The serum copper and iron levels were measured photometrically using 6305, JENWAY Productes, Spectrophotometer, Man. in EU by Barloworld Scientific Ltd, Dunmow, Essex, OM6 3LB. Caeruloplasmin was measured with the single radial immunodiffusion test using KINT Laboratory, INC, Vorgensen place, Bellinghgam, WA, 98226, USA. The mean copper serum level shows a significant elevation in the patients as compared with the control (p < 0.05), and a high significant elevation (p < 0.01) is seen in the infant group. Copper shows a weak negative correlation with age in infected children. The mean caeruloplasmin serum level significantly (p < 0.01) in patients as compared with the control and the significance is present in all age groups. Copper and caeruloplasmin show a weak positive correlation in patients with giardiasis. The mean iron. Serum level shows a high significant decrease (p < 0.01) in patients with giardiasis, with a weak negative correlation with age in patients and a weak positive correlation in the control. Conclusion: Copper and caeruloplasmin can be good markers of infection with G. lamblia, and children infected with this parasite may be at an increased risk of iron deficiency anaemia.