Identification and Molecular Characterization of Giardia lamblia Among Children with Acute Diarrhea

Still among the most common intestinal protozoan parasites in children five years or less in resource poor countries, Giardia lamblia can have long lasting consequences with potential stunted growth, and delayed neurodevelopment. Methods: This study was conducted to identify Giardia lamblia as the causative agent in children less than 6 years suffering from acute diarrhea by traditional microscopical examination, immunochromatography, and multiplex PCR assays, and also to assess the frequency of infection with age, gender, place of residence, and month distributions Stool samples were collected in Babylon Governorate, Iraq, from November 2023 to April 2024, with a complete sample size of 210 young children, irrespective of gender. G. lamblia isolates were identified by examination of the samples under the microscope and confirmed by the immunochromatography test, and a multiplex PCR assay was done to establish the presence of GLCP6-S1 gene in the isoline. Among the 210 stool samples, 118 (56.2%) is/are positive and 92 (43.8%) is/are negative when viewed under a microscope. All 118 suspected samples were tested for the diagnosis of G. lamblia antigen using an immunochromatography test, which revealed that 80 (67.8%) were positive. The PCR assay confirmed that 83 (70.3%) were positive for the GLCP6-S1 gene in G. lamblia isolates. The multiplex PCR assay is the most effective method for detecting G. lamblia in stool samples. Also, to prevent the transmission of infection, particularly among children, access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation facilities, and thorough health education on personal hygiene habits are necessary.