Survey of Giardiasis Symptoms in Patients Referred to Health Care Centers in Zahedan, South-Eastern Iran, 2017-2018

Abstract

Background: There are many pathogenic intestinal parasites in humans, one of which is Giardia lamblia. This parasite has a variety of clinical symptoms in individuals. Poor health, weather conditions, and inappropriate lifestyle are all factors contributing to the high incidence of giardiasis. Objective: Based on factors influencing the prevalence of giardiasis in the region, this study was performed on subjects referred to Zahedan health care centers. Materials and Methods: A total of 671 stool specimens of subjects who referred between March 2017 and October 2018 were examined using direct and formalin ether concentration techniques. All demographic and clinical data in questionnaires were recorded. Data were analyzed using X2 test to determine any differences in the prevalence of giardiasis and clinical symptoms between different age groups. Results: Of 671 samples, 346 (51.1%) were positive. The most common complaint among participants was abdominal pain (64.1%), followed by diarrhea (53.7%), abdominal cramps (44.7%), nausea (32.6%), weight loss (30.9%), anorexia (26.8%), headache (22.2%), fatigue (14.1%), and fever (13.2%). Most of the clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal cramp, weight loss, and headache were reported in females, and the results of chi-square test showed a significant difference (P<0.05). The age group of 1-12 years had the highest percentage of infection (49.42%). The data indicated that the highest rate of infection was observed in this group, showing a significant difference in comparison with other age groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in addition to health education, preventing the transmission of parasites to children would also be necessary.

Anti-Giardia Activity of Gold Nanoparticle and Flavonoid-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles

“…The Giardia lamblia parasite is one of the most common species of human pathogenic protozoa; in addition to a large number of host animals (Peckova et al,2018), the parasite causes Giardiasis, a globally prevalent disease. Children, pregnant women, and people with immune impairment are more likely to be infected than others (Ryan et al,2013;Raissi et al,2019). Giardiasis is usually characterized by a severe intestinal disease that includes diarrhoea with or without contractions, abdomen bloating, and malabsorption syndrome that occurs in clinical cases and may lead to failure or stunted growth failure, especially in children (Gilman et al, 1985;Rogawski et al,2018).…”

The uses of gold nanoparticles and Citrullus colocynthis L. nanoparticles against Giardia lamblia in vivo

“…It transmitted through contaminated water and food with cysts and causes diarrhea. 3 Trophozoit lacks mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, so it is an obligate parasite. Causes (due to toxins secreted) abdominal pain and intermittent constipation, fatigue, and weight loss (especially in children), may develop into the formation of gallstones and the appearance of jaundice).…”