Our work highlights aspects of giardiasis as one of the most common protozoonotic diseases in children. Giardiasis remains one of the most common protozoonotic diseases among the population, especially children.

Relevance. Giardiasis in children remains one of the most common parasitic infections, affecting gastrointestinal function, immune status, and physical development. The high frequency of subclinical forms, the tendency for the disease to be protracted, and its recurrence necessitate studying the dynamics of the disease in children's groups. In the context of urbanization and changing sanitary and hygienic factors, this problem is of particular epidemiological significance.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory dynamics of giardiasis in 50 children with confirmed Giardia infection. lamblia and analyze changes in indicators during therapy and observation.

Materials and Methods. The study included 50 children aged 3 to 12 years with laboratory-confirmed giardiasis . Diagnosis was made using stool microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Giardia antigens. lamblia . Clinical symptoms (abdominal syndrome, dyspepsia, asthenovegetative manifestations), laboratory parameters, and the frequency of relapses were assessed during the observation dynamics for 3 months after the therapy.

Results. At the initial examination, the most common symptoms were abdominal pain (68%), unstable stool (54%), and signs of asthenia (46%). After treatment, parasite elimination was confirmed in most children, with clinical improvement noted within the first 2–3 weeks. Recurrence of infestation during the observation period was recorded in some cases, indicating the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention.

Discussion. The data obtained confirm the fluctuating nature of giardiasis in children and the dependence of clinical dynamics on immune status and compliance with sanitary measures. Timely diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effectiveness are essential.

Conclusions. The progression of giardiasis in children is characterized by significant clinical changes during the active phase of infection and gradual normalization after treatment. Combined therapy and regular follow-up can reduce the frequency of relapses and improve the prognosis

Children, stomach, problem

Kornienko E. A., Drozdova S. N., Kalinina N. M. et al. Modern course of giardiasis // Issues of children's dietetics. - 2008. - V. 8, No. 2. - P. 6-11.

Shabalov N. P., Staroverov Yu. I. Giardiasis in children // New Medical Journal. - 1998. - No. 3. - P. 22-26.

Agafonova E. V., Dolbin D. A., Kulikov S. N. et al. Modern aspects of diagnostics of giardiasis in humans // Russ. med. journal. - 2008. - V. 16, No. 17. - P. 146-149.

CDC. Patient Care for Giardia Infection ( 2024 update ).

Pediatric Opportunistic Infection Guidelines: Giardiasis (2019).

Pennardt M., Cox FE Human parasitology. Giardiasis // Clin. Microbiol. Rev. - 2016. - V. 15, No. 4. - P. 595-612.

Nunez FA, Moreira I. Comparison of chloroquine, albendazole and tinidazole in the treatment of children with giardiasis // Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology. - 2023. - V. 97, No. 4. - P. 367-371.

Nash TE Treatment of Giardia lamblia infections // Pediatr . Infect. Dis. J. - 2021. - V. 20. - P. 193-196.