Occurrence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis in child population from Colombia
Catalina Avendaño1, Ana Ramo2, Claudia Vergara-Castiblanco2
1Faculty of Animal Sciences, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, U.D.C.A, Calle 222 # 55 - 37, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
Giardia duodenalis, a common intestinal parasite, was found in 7.5% of Colombian children. Educational settings and urban areas showed higher infection rates, suggesting anthroponotic transmission in these environments.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Giardia duodenalis is a leading cause of human intestinal parasitic infections, disproportionately affecting children in developing nations.
- Understanding the prevalence and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis is crucial for public health interventions, especially in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Giardia duodenalis infections in Colombian children aged 1-19 years.
- To determine the prevalence of G. duodenalis in different settings (educational vs. hospital) and geographical areas (urban vs. rural).
- To identify the circulating assemblages and sub-assemblages of G. duodenalis in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Stool specimens from 307 children were analyzed using light microscopy after concentration.
- Positive samples were further characterized using PCR amplification and sequencing of triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta-giardin (bg), and small-subunit rRNA (ssu) genes.
- Samples were collected from educational establishments and hospital laboratories in both urban and rural Colombian areas.
Main Results:
- Giardia duodenalis infection was detected in 7.5% of the children by microscopy.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in samples from educational establishments (11.6%) compared to hospital laboratories (2.8%).
- Infection was more common in urban areas and among children aged 1-5 years. Assemblages B and A (including sub-assemblage AII) were identified.
Conclusions:
- Educational establishments and urban areas in Colombia represent potential hotspots for Giardia duodenalis transmission among children.
- The findings suggest a predominantly anthroponotic transmission cycle in these settings.
- Further research and targeted public health strategies are needed to control Giardia duodenalis infections in school-aged children.
Abstract:
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent human intestinal parasite, with children living in developing countries being particularly at risk of infection. The occurrence and molecular diversity of G. duodenalis was investigated in stools specimens from 307 individuals aged one to nineteen years in Colombia. Samples were collected in three educational establishments (n: 163) and two hospital laboratories (n: 144) from urban and rural areas. Feces were concentrated using a biphasic sedimentation method and wet mounts of the sediment were examined by light microscopy. G. duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages were determined on positive samples by PCR of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), β-giardin (bg) and small-subunit (ssu) rRNA genes. G. duodenalis infection was detected by microscopy in 23 individuals (7.5%). The protozoan was more prevalent among specimens collected in educational establishments (11.6%) than in those obtained from hospital laboratories (2.8%). Infection was most common in individuals from urban areas and children aged 1-5 years. No significant association between diarrhea and infection could be demonstrated. Twenty Giardia-positive samples were successfully allocated to assemblage B (n: 11), sub-assemblage AII (n: 7), and assemblage A (n: 2). Results indicate the potential for transmission of G. duodenalis infection in children attending educational establishments and individuals from urban areas, where transmission seems to be primarily anthroponotic.
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