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Gut associated immune responses in clinical and experimental giardiasis: an overview
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Abstract:
Giardia lamblia, the protozoan parasite, first described by Von Leewenhoek in 1681, has come into prominence in last quarter century because of mounting awareness that it may cause significant morbidity and loss of man power. Earlier thought to be a commensal organism, it has been recognised as a true intestinal pathogen in the past three decades. Nevertheless, the mechanism of the disease caused by this protozoan parasite (in the human host's small intestine) continues to remain unexplained. The infection with G. lamblia is worldwide with an average prevalence of 12.5 per cent and is especially common in children and may cause failure of child to thrive. The G. lamblia infection has been implicated in a number of water borne epidemics and is important cause of traveller's diarrhoea all over the world. Infection with G. lamblia may be entirely asymptomatic, may produce a mild, self limiting illness or chronic diarrhoea with or without malabsorption. The reasons for such variations in severity are not clearly understood. However, interplay of virulence of parasite, nutritional status and type of the host immune responses and its effect on intestinal mucosa appear to modulate the infection.
Insights
Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite, causes significant illness worldwide, particularly in children. The exact mechanisms behind Giardia infection severity remain unclear, despite its global prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite, is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and manpower loss.
- Once considered a commensal organism, it is now established as a true intestinal pathogen.
- Giardia infection is globally prevalent (12.5%), especially in children, potentially leading to failure to thrive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unexplained mechanisms of disease caused by Giardia lamblia in the human small intestine.
- To explore factors influencing the varied severity of Giardia lamblia infections.
Main Methods:
- The abstract does not specify methods, but implies a review or discussion of existing knowledge.
- Focuses on the clinical presentation and epidemiological aspects of Giardia lamblia infections.
Main Results:
- Giardia lamblia infections are implicated in waterborne epidemics and are a major cause of traveler's diarrhea globally.
- Infections can range from asymptomatic to mild, self-limiting illness, or chronic diarrhea with malabsorption.
- The reasons for variation in disease severity are not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between parasite virulence, host nutritional status, immune responses, and effects on the intestinal mucosa likely modulates Giardia lamblia infection outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pathogenic mechanisms and factors influencing disease severity.