The effect of chronic giardiasis on cognitive functions and allergopathology in the pediatric population

Introduction: Giardiasis remains one of the most urgent parasitic infections in pediatric practice worldwide. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was a comprehensive assessment of the clinical manifestations, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of giardiasis treatment in children. Methods: The data of 500 patients aged 6-17 years were analyzed, formed into two groups comparable in basic parameters: the main group (250 children with verified giardiasis) and the control group (250 children without diagnosed invasion). Results: The results of the study demonstrate that children with giardiasis before treatment had a significantly higher incidence of not only gastrointestinal symptoms, but also systemic manifestations. Asthenic syndrome was reported in 79.2% of patients, allergodermatoses in 49.6% versus 27.2%, and complaints of decreased concentration in 66.8% of children. A clear dependence of the risk of infection on social conditions was established: the main group was significantly dominated by children living in rural areas (58.0% versus 32.0%), using non-centralized water supply sources (52.8% versus 22.0%) and having contact with farm animals (47.2% versus 18.0%). Evaluation of long-term results 6, 12, and 24 months after successful eradication therapy showed rapid regression of gastrointestinal symptoms, but normalization of extra-intestinal manifestations was slower. 24 months after treatment, the prevalence of allergodermatoses was 28.0%, and complaints of decreased concentration were 20.0%, which was still higher than in the control group. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate the need for an integrated approach to the management of patients with giardiasis, including long-term follow-up and targeted rehabilitation measures.