Diagnosis of Giardia lamblia by Detection of Parasite- Anti-Giardia Antibodies in Children

BACKGROUND : Giardiasis is a major diarrhea disease found throughout the world. The flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia, its causative agent, is the most commonly identified parasite isolated worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was to measuring specific serum anti-Girdia( IgM and IgA) antibodies by ELISA assay. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from Sixty four (64 )children with gastrointestinal problems, at AL-Imamain AL-Kadimain medical city from 1st March 2014 to 30th June 2014 at pediatric out patients clinic, of both sexes, their age range from 7 months to 7 years, Addison healthy control include twenty seven(27) children (age matched). The serum sample was used for detection of human anti-Giardia lamblia IgM and IgA antibody by ELISA test. RESULTS: The study showed the mean age group was (3.18±0.28), but there is highly significant difference for B.W and Hb in the study groups(P=<0.001). males predominance among patients about (56.5%), while (43.8 %) were females. elevated levels of IgM antibodies 52(57.1%) total positive, that highly significant differences (p<0.001), also highly percentage borderline for IgA antibodies 40(44.0%) significant differences (P <0.002). CONCLUSION: There is higher serum IgM antibodies level in Giardiasis patients who have active disease. Serum IgA antibodies level is higher borderline which may play important role for protection.