The hidden burden of giardiasis: Characterizing alterations in hematological, hepatic, and iron profile

Giardiasis is increasingly recognized as a systemic illness beyond its classical intestinal manifestations. This study aimed to characterize systemic manifestations across age groups by evaluating hematological, hepatic, and iron profiles. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 105 giardiasis cases in a tertiary center between 2022 and 2024, stratified by age. All infants exhibited reduction in packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); adolescents showed significant MCV reduction (P = 0.018); young adults displayed reduced MCH (P = 0.019). Elevated bilirubin is observed in children (P = 0.025) and adolescents (P = 0.009). Most striking was iron metabolism dysregulation in 100% adults aged 18-60 years. The study also showed a male predominance (70.5%), with a seasonal peak during the monsoon period. These findings indicate that giardiasis causes age-specific systemic effects, with iron metabolism disruption in adults emerging as a key treatment focus.