Giardia duodenalis Infection and Pachymeningitis in a Patient With Agammaglobulinemia

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by a mutation in Bruton's tyrosine kinase, resulting in profoundly low immunoglobulin levels and susceptibility to recurrent infections. We report a 14-year-old patient with XLA who presented with persistent fever, bloody diarrhea, and headache suggestive of pachymeningitis. The patient had chronic giardiasis. His clinical condition deteriorated with worsening thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, and minimal diffuse dural thickening on brain magnetic resonance imaging, interpreted as pachymeningitis. Empirical immunosuppressive therapy was initiated, but the patient ultimately succumbed to illness. Although Giardia has been linked to various extra-intestinal manifestations, its association with meningitis or pachymeningitis is not reported. This case highlights the complexity of managing immunocompromised patients with unexplained fever and neurological symptoms, emphasizing the need for further research into the potential neurological effects of Giardia infection.

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Publication Details

Journal
Clinical Pediatrics
Published
2026-08-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00099228261467298
Primary Topic
Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders
Type
article
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article

Giardia duodenalis Infection and Pachymeningitis in a Patient With Agammaglobulinemia

Gamze Sönmez, Deniz Çağdaş, Merve Erdem, Cigdem Kaya et al.
Clinical Pediatrics
Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders
article

Giardia duodenalis Infection and Pachymeningitis in a Patient With Agammaglobulinemia

Gamze Sönmez, Deniz Çağdaş, Merve Erdem, Cigdem Kaya, Ilhan Tezcan, Rahsan Gocmen
article en

Abstract

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by a mutation in Bruton's tyrosine kinase, resulting in profoundly low immunoglobulin levels and susceptibility to recurrent infections. We report a 14-year-old patient with XLA who presented with persistent fever, bloody diarrhea, and headache suggestive of pachymeningitis. The patient had chronic giardiasis. His clinical condition deteriorated with worsening thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, and minimal diffuse dural thickening on brain magnetic resonance imaging, interpreted as pachymeningitis. Empirical immunosuppressive therapy was initiated, but the patient ultimately succumbed to illness. Although Giardia has been linked to various extra-intestinal manifestations, its association with meningitis or pachymeningitis is not reported. This case highlights the complexity of managing immunocompromised patients with unexplained fever and neurological symptoms, emphasizing the need for further research into the potential neurological effects of Giardia infection.

Clinical Pediatrics
Hacettepe University Hospital (TR), Hacettepe University (TR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders
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