International Journal of Medical Laboratory

Background and Aims: Giardia lamblia infection is a common cause of food and water-borne diarrhea in non-sanitary communities. Infections are common in children, particularly in child-care centers, backpackers, travelers, and homosexuals. Zinc is necessary for the immune system functions. Zinc deficiency is associated with acute diarrhea. Copper is essential for the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin formation and absorption of iron, and for the activity of various enzymes. However, the association between trace elements and Giardiasis has rarely been investigated. The aim of this experiment was comparison of trace elements of zinc and copper between children with Giardiasis and healthy.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out between 30 children with Giardiasis and 30 children of control group. It was undertaken in both children aged 3 to 10 years without any history of Giardiasis and children with symptomatic Giardiasis. The hematological examination was performed. Serum zinc and copper levels were measured. Finally, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 statistical software.

Results:. Zinc levels in the study group was remarkably lower than the control group (68.94 vs. 153.99 µg/dl, p=0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference in serum copper levels between case (309.27 µg/dl) and control (253.19 µg/dl) groups (p=0.003).

Conclusions: Giardiasis elevated the serum copper levels, while it decreased the serum zinc.