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Longitudinal study of giardiasis in three day care centres of Havana City
F A Núñez1, M Hernández, C M Finlay
1Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, Autopista Novia del Mediodia km 6 entre Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Ciudad Habana, Cuba. fan@ipk.sld.cu
Insights
Giardiasis infection patterns were studied in 365 children. A small group showed persistent Giardia lamblia infections, suggesting a predisposition, while incidence decreased over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia, is a common intestinal infection, particularly in young children.
- Understanding infection dynamics, including prevalence, incidence, and reinfection, is crucial for effective control strategies in childcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, incidence, and reinfection rates of giardiasis in children attending day care centres (DCCs).
- To identify distinct infection patterns and potential risk factors associated with persistent Giardia lamblia infections.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 365 children across three DCCs in Havana City over 18 months.
- Collection of three stool samples per child every six months.
- Analysis of infection patterns, prevalence, incidence, and reinfection rates, correlated with clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Three infection groups identified: never infected (51%), infected 1-2 times, and persistently infected (9%).
- Overall giardiasis prevalence remained stable at 20%; incidence declined from 16% to 11%.
- Reinfection rates increased from 36% to 49%; diarrheal episodes correlated with infection frequency.
Conclusions:
- A subset of children exhibits persistent Giardia lamblia infections, indicating a potential predisposition.
- While overall incidence decreased, increasing reinfection rates and predisposition warrant further investigation into causative factors.
- Diarrheal episodes are a significant clinical correlate of frequent giardiasis detection in this population.
Abstract:
The prevalence, incidence and reinfection of giardiasis were studied in 365 children attending three day care centres (DCCs) in Havana City. Three stool samples were obtained from each child every 6 months during an 18-month period. We identified three distinct groups of children according to their patterns of infection. In the largest group (51%) children were never found infected. In the second group, they were found infected once or twice during the study period, and in the third and the smallest group (9%) they were found infected in most or all the study periods. This last group seems to be children 'predisposed' to Giardia lamblia infection. The prevalence of giardiasis (20%) remained almost constant throughout the study period. The incidence declined from 16 to 11%, and reinfection increased from 36 to 49%. All the children had normal nutritional status and the only clinical manifestation that correlated strongly with the frequency of cross-sectional surveys positive to Giardia was the number of diarrhoeal episodes recorded during the last 6 months of the study period. Further studies will be necessary to ascertain the causes that determine the 'predisposition' to giardiasis in children.
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