Giardia lamblia is a common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, and more so in India but we know little about the long-term complications. Glamblia infection is linked to increased risks for IBS and chronic fatigue, according to the results of a study.

Team@CMHF

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, according to the authors of the current study. Infection with G lamblia generally occurs only during rare outbreaks in Europe and North America, and it is usually spread through infected drinking water. However, person-to-person transmission has also been reported.

Chronic giardiasis is known to promote malabsorption and weight loss, but can it promote other longstanding illnesses? The current study examines how infection with G lamblia might affect the risks for incident irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic fatigue.

Overall, IBS was more common among women vs men, but the prevalence of chronic fatigue was similar regardless of sex. Sex was not significant in modifying the effect of G lamblia infection on the risks for IBS and chronic fatigue.

The current study demonstrates that infection with G lamblia may increase the long-term risks for both IBS and chronic fatigue

Reference: http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/749645?src=cmemp