The effect of intestinal protozoan infections on hematological parameters and micronutrients in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients

Background This research examined the effects of intestinal protozoan infections on physiological aspects both hematological parameters and micronutrients among colorectal cancer patients (CRC) who experienced diarrhea. Colorectal cancer exists as the third worldwide cancer form and stands as a significant contributor to cancer deaths, CRC patients are often the most susceptible to parasitic infections, especially intestinal parasites for variety reasons considerable with health poor responsiveness in immune system compared to healthy people. Materials and Methods Sixty-two CRC patients with diarrhea underwent blood tests for hematological parameter evaluation (RBCs, Hb, PCV, WBCs, neutrophils, eosinophils) and micronutrient measurement of iron and zinc. Samples were collected from a randomized group of male and female at different ages that attending to Endocrinology Center and Oncology Department at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital in Al-Diwaniyah Province – Iraq. A 3ml of blood samples were taken and divided into two parts: 2ml of each sample placed in coagulant tubes and the remaining (1ml) placed in anticoagulant tubes. Samples were prepared to test for measured some hematological parameters which were RBCs, Hb, PCV, WBCs, neutrophils and eosinophils, and two micronutrient-related elements (iron and zinc) . Results 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 RBCs, Hb, and PCV but produced minimal neutrophil elevation and displayed variable effects on both WBCs 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. Conclusions 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.