Serum lipid profiles and eosinophilia among Giardia cyst passers

Abstract

Giardia trophozoites attach to upper portion of small intestine and may present with severe damage
affecting nutrient absorption. One of the main complications of giardiasis is lipid malabsorption.
Consequently, infected people may lack the important caloric source and lipid soluble vitamins. This
study aimed to assay serum lipid profiles and eosinophilia in Giardia cyst passers and compare with noninfected individuals. Three hundred and fifteen peripheral blood samples of Giardia cyst passers were
studied by cell blood cunt and colorimetric methods and compare with control. All infected stool samples
were confirmed by at least one method of saline-Lugol, formaline- ether concentration and trichrome
staining or Ziehl–Neelsen. The results of these findings showed that Eosinophilia was greater than 5 in
18% of infected people, but was not in control. With the exception of high density lipoprotein (HDL),
cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were statistically lower than those
observed in the control groups (P < 0.05). This study revealed that there is a significant influence of
Giardia lamblia on lipid levels and eosinophilia in infected individuals.