Beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin in patients with giardiasis

The aim of the study was to evaluate serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta-2m) and neopterin (NPT) in in patients with giardiasis. Twenty-two patients with giardiasis were examined and compared with twelve healthy subjects as a control group. Serum beta-2m and NPT concentration were determined twice: at the moment of diagnosis of giardiasis and six months after antiparasitic treatment with metronidazole. It was shown that serum beta-2m concentration in patients with giardiasis was remarkably elevated. It decreased significantly, but six months after treatment it was still higher as compared to the control group. However, serum NPT before anti-parasitic treatment was slightly lower than in the control group, but after elimination of Giardia an increase of NPT concentration above control values was observed. It is concluded that Giardia infection leads to long-lasting disturbances in the immunological status of the host and may influence macrophage function and downregulate their parasiticidal effects.