A systematic review of human giardiasis in Bangladesh: public health perspective

Abstract Background: Giardiasis identified as a leading cause of gastrointestinal pathogen in young children worldwide, is also common in Bangladesh. There has been an emerging evidence of an association between giardiasis and child growth. This systematic review focuses only on Bangladeshi children. Prevalence of giardiasis with its adverse health effects and the advancement of diagnosis has been reviewed.Methods: A broad review of literature, electronic databases, and books within the time frame of 1970 and 2019 has been searched. Data published on giardiasis prevalence, outcomes (child growth, intestinal permeability, and diarrhea) and advances of diagnosis in Bangladesh has been searched.Results: Both assemblages A and B genotypes of Giardia lamblia are responsible for human giardiasis in Bangladesh. Recent studies on Bangladeshi children suggested Giardia species infections has an adverse impact on poor child growth which have further characterized associations with altered gut epithelial barrier dysfunction, as well as diarrhea. Indeed emerging evidence indicates the key consequence of Giardia colonization is nutrient malabsorption. Conclusions: In Bangladesh giardiasis remains a major public health concern, especially in children age <5 years but is considered as a neglected disease. In order to reduce the burden of giardiasis in developing countries such as Bangladesh, more focus is require to include this disease in public health policies.