Assessment of Serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-10 Levels in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Primary Schools of Al-Barakiah, Najaf Governorate

Enterobius vermicularis

Abstract

Pinworm with only human as host, is thus one of the most universal nematodes, and also one of the most prevalent helminths. More than 200 million people are infected worldwide, and currently around 30% of infected children. The Sample consisted of one hundred random samples of primary school students in Najaf governorate (70 males and 30 females) with the age rates of (6-12) years old. Infection: Recruitment took place between October 2023 and January 2024 at ten geographically diverse schools for cases of nosocomial pruritus ani. High prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among primary school children in Najaf governorate, Iraq, is uncommonly. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 students (70 men, 30 women) sampled between October 2023 and January 2024 to characterize the epidemiology and immunology of E. In total, 70% were infected, with considerable variation between age and month. The highest number of children with it was between ages 6–8 years (55%), and the lowest the mild increase (aged 11–12 years). Seasonal maximum was higher in November (83.3%) and December (80%) as compared to January (46.7%). The median percentage of infected patients was greater for men (71.4%) than for women 

(66.7%). Immunological analysis showed that serum levels of IgE were much higher in the infected children, and levels of both IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. Concentrations of IgE and eosinophilia were strongly related to infection rate, and peaked at 6–8 years (IgE: 240.50 IU/mL, eosinophils: 0.65×10⁹/L). Inflamed patients have accordingly much higher IL-6 (78.51±35.29pg/mL and 45.90±28.45pg/mL) and IL-10(38.25±12.16pg/mL vs 22.90±8.45pg/mL), both suggesting activated inflammatory and regulatory immune response, respectively. These findings highlight the marked endemicity of enterobiasis in the region and the age-, seasonal and sex-dependent nature of this helminth an infection and the associated modulation of the immune response in the host.