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Possible Correlation between Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Fecal Calprotectin in Children with Diarrhea
Hanan M Abou-Seri1, Asmaa Ibrahim2, Fatima Zahran1
1Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were elevated in children with giardiasis. Giardia assemblage B was associated with higher FC levels than assemblage A, suggesting a potential link between genotype and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Giardiasis is a major cause of diarrhea in young children in developing nations.
- Elevated fecal calprotectin (FC) can indicate inflammation, but other conditions must be considered.
- Giardia parasite genotypes may influence host inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in children diagnosed with giardiasis.
- To investigate the correlation between Giardia parasite genotypes and FC levels.
- To explore the diagnostic utility of FC in giardiasis.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from 50 children (aged 4-12) with giardiasis were analyzed.
- Giardia infection was confirmed by light microscopy and PCR.
- Beta-giardin (bg) gene sequencing identified parasite assemblages (A and B).
- Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were measured in cases and controls.
Main Results:
- Giardia assemblage B was found in 75% of cases, and assemblage A in 25%.
- FC levels were significantly higher in children with giardiasis compared to controls.
- Patients infected with assemblage B showed higher mean FC levels (202 μg/gm) than those with assemblage A (114 μg/gm).
Conclusions:
- A potential association exists between Giardia assemblage B and elevated FC levels.
- FC may serve as a biomarker reflecting inflammatory responses in giardiasis.
- Further research is needed to confirm the link between Giardia genotypes and FC levels.
Background:
Giardiasis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is an important biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammtory bowel disease, but other diagnoses should be considered in light of its elevation. We aimed to evaluate FC level in patients diagnosed with giardiasis and elucidate a possible correlation between Giardia genotypes and FC levels.
Methods:
Overall, 120 fecal samples were collected from children aged 4-12 years and tested for giardiasis by light microscopy. Out of which, 50 samples were enrolled within two groups: group I "cases" and group II "controls" and then subjected to PCR amplification, sequencing of the beta-giardin (bg) gene of the parasite, and FC evaluation.
Results:
Assemblage B was identified in 75%, and assemblage A in 25% of samples. FC levels were statistically elevated in "group I" in comparison to "group II". Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between FC levels in patients infected with assemblage A and assemblage B with a mean of 114 μg/gm and 202 μg/gm, respectively.
Conclusion:
The study highlighted the possible association between Giardia genotype B and elevated FC levels, further detailed studies are necessary to clarify these finding.
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