Asymptomatic Giardiasis and Nutritional Status of Children in Two Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Giardiasis is found throughout the world but more prevalent in developing countries. The present study utilised ELISA coproantigen to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia in stool samples of children in day-care centres, nursery and primary schools in two Local Government Areas, Sabon-Gari and Zaria, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Of 374 samples examined, 150 (41.45%) were positive for Giardia lamblia. The prevalence of giardiasis was higher in males (50.3%) than females (49.7%). There was no significant difference in the level of infection in both sexes (p = 0.808). The highest prevalence of asymptomatic giardiasis was in the age group 3-5 years (32.9%) while the lowest was in the 0-2 years (11.6%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the disease between the age groups (p = 0.414). There was association between asymptomatic giardiasis and wasting (p = 0.030, ANOVA). There was also a positive association between asymptomatic giardiasis and Body Mass Index (p = 0.024, ANOVA) indicating malnutrition. In this study, giardiasis was a predictor of wasting and malnutrition in Sabo-Gari Local Government Area. It is therefore recommended that parents or guardians should provide nutritious meals for school-aged children and treatment of parasitic infections be included in the curriculum of school children.