Vitamin D Estimation in Giardia Lamblia Infected Patients in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Giardia lamblia is one of the parasites affecting gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhea. Recurrent diarrhea may be associated with decreased serum level of vitamin D. The present study determined the vitamin D level in Giardia lamblia infected patients and the relation between G. lamblia infection and vitamin D deficiency among patients with acute or chronic diarrhea selected from those attended Sohag University Hospitals clinics, from February 2021 to February 2022. A total of 192 patients with acute and chronic diarrhea selected from both sexes, 96 patients (62 rural, 34 urban) were G. lamblia positive with ages ranged from 3 to 63 years. Of the cross-matched 96/204selected control (59 rural, 37 urban) were negative for G. lamblia. Serum 25-OH vitamin D estimated by ELISA showed significant decrease in mean level in patients than in controls.