This study investigated the prevalence of parasitic infections, clinical manifestations, and the state of intestinal microbiota in children under 5 years of age. The main complaints included abdominal pain, decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, perianal itching, allergic skin manifestations, and gastrointestinal and neurobehavioral symptoms. Coproscopic analysis revealed parasitic infections in 73.0% of the examined children. The most common forms were mono-enterobiasis (32.0%) and mixed infection of enterobiasis with giardiasis (23.0%).

Microbiota analysis demonstrated dysbiotic changes associated with parasitic invasions. A decrease in beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and an increase in opportunistic microorganisms (Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp.) were observed. These alterations were most pronounced in mixed infections.

The findings confirm that parasitic infections negatively affect intestinal microbiocenosis, leading to dysbiosis, which plays an important role in disease severity and clinical course. Therefore, a comprehensive treatment approach, including both antiparasitic therapy and microbiota correction, is essential.

Parasitic infections, giardiasis, intestinal microbiota

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