Impact of <i>Giardia lamblia</i> Infection on Hematological Parameters in Children from Urmia, Iran

Introduction: Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes steatorrhea in humans worldwide. Giardia colonizes the duodenum and the upper part of the jejunum, where it can cover the intestinal surface and lead to steatorrhea, physical and mental retardation, and disturbances in serum levels of zinc, ferritin, iron, and vitamins A, E, D, and K. This study aimed to investigate hematological changes, including iron, ferritin, and zinc levels, in 6–12-year-old Giardia-positive and healthy children in Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 6–12-year-old Giardia-infected and healthy children in Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. A total of 35 children were selected for each group using a questionnaire. Hematological parameters were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, and comparisons between groups were made using the independent t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Children with giardiasis showed significantly higher hematocrit (HCT) and lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared to healthy children. Neutrophil counts were also significantly different, while other hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, total WBC, lymphocytes, and platelets, did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and timely treatment of giardiasis, as well as prevention of chronic infection, can reduce intestinal damage, physical and mental retardation, and other clinical symptoms resulting from vitamin and mineral deficiencies in children.