Frequency of Giardiasis in Children Presenting with Chronic Diarrhea

Giardiasis, caused by Giardia duodenalis, is a common enteric protozoan infection in children, particularly in low-resource settings. It may present with chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration, though many infections remain asymptomatic. Objectives: To determine the frequency of giardiasis among children aged 1 to 5 years presenting with chronic diarrhea. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, over six months. A total of 203 children with chronic diarrhea were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Stool samples were examined by direct microscopy with saline and Lugol’s iodine staining, as well as formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. Giardiasis was diagnosed based on the presence of six or more cysts per coverslip at 40× magnification. Written informed consent was obtained from all parents/guardians. The study received ethical approval from the institutional review board (IRB Approval No: 935/DME/KMC). Results: Out of 203 children, 20 (9.9%) tested positive for Giardia duodenalis. No significant associations were found with age, gender, or weight. However, a statistically significant correlation was observed between giardiasis and duration of diarrhea. Children with symptoms lasting more than eight weeks had a higher prevalence (24.1%) compared to those with shorter duration (0.8%) (p=0.001). Conclusions: Prolonged diarrhea may be a clinical indicator of giardiasis in paediatric patients. Early detection and improved diagnostic methods are essential for timely treatment, especially in endemic areas with limited resources.