Analysis of Liver Function in Patients with Intestinal Parasitic Infections: A Comparative Study of AST, ALT, and ALP Levels
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the levels of certain liver function markers in individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica in Kirkuk City, Iraq. Samples were collected from hospitals in Kirkuk (Kirkuk General Hospital and Children's Hospital) and private laboratories between October and December 2024. Out of 220 stool samples examined for cyst and trophozoite stages of Entamoeba, 130 samples were excluded due to chronic infections or other diseases. Participants were divided into two groups: 70 infected individuals and 20 healthy individuals as a control group. Serum samples were analyzed to measure the levels of certain liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in the infected individuals. Statistical analysis (using SPSS software) revealed no significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in the infected individuals, indicating that the infection did not affect liver function or enzyme levels in transient or non-chronic amoebic infections. Based on the findings, this study highlights the impact of Entamoeba histolytica infection on liver function and provides scientific data that can help develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infected individuals in endemic areas.
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