Possible Correlation between Genotypes and Fecal Calprotectin in Children with Diarrhea.

BACKGROUND

Giardiasis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is an important biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammtory bowel disease, but other diagnoses should be considered in light of its elevation. We aimed to evaluate FC level in patients diagnosed with giardiasis and elucidate a possible correlation between genotypes and FC levels.

METHODS

Overall, 120 fecal samples were collected from children aged 4-12 years and tested for giardiasis by light microscopy. Out of which, 50 samples were enrolled within two groups: group I "cases" and group II "controls" and then subjected to PCR amplification, sequencing of the beta-giardin (bg) gene of the parasite, and FC evaluation.

RESULTS

Assemblage B was identified in 75%, and assemblage A in 25% of samples. FC levels were statistically elevated in "group I" in comparison to "group II". Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between FC levels in patients infected with assemblage A and assemblage B with a mean of 114 μg/gm and 202 μg/gm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted the possible association between genotype B and elevated FC levels, further detailed studies are necessary to clarify these finding.