Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from Iraq as well as evaluating the blood components and essential micronutrient levels in these patients. The existing study involved 90 patients diagnosed with CRC who referred to Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital between January and June 2024. A fresh stool specimen was obtained from each participant and placed in a sterile, labeled container. Direct smear method (wet mount) and the formol-ether concentration technique were used to identify intestinal protozoa. Each patient provided 3 mL of blood, which was divided into two parts: in the first part, 2 mL of blood was placed in yellow hooded coagulant tubes to obtain the sera for evaluating the serum level of the micronutrient-related elements (iron and zinc). The remaining blood was placed in EDTA anticoagulant tubes for complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Our results showed Entamoeba histolytica infection as the most common parasite affecting 61.29% of patients, alongside Giardia lamblia infection found in 38.70% of subjects. This dual parasite infection resulted in significant reductions of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume but produced minimal neutrophil elevation and displayed variable effects on both white blood cells and eosinophil levels. Participants experienced a reduction in their iron content when infected with both parasites, while G. lamblia caused major zinc loss, and E. histolytica showed moderate declines in zinc levels. The identified protozoan infections of CRC patients generate substantial health consequences, which indicate a crucial requirement for proper parasitic management within this at-risk patient group.