Evaluation of the prevalence of giardiasis and associated factors in Wardak province, center of Afghanistan

Abstract

Introduction: Giardia intestinalis is a causative agent of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. Contaminated food, feces, drinking water (orofecal route), and factors like economic conditions, culture, and behavioral factors contribute to its transmission. Wardak province is located in the central region of Afghanistan, divided into eight districts, with a population of 656,720. Methods: A total of 274 patients with diarrhea referred to Wardak Hospital were studied, and among them, 17 individuals (10 males (58.8%) and 7 females (41.2%) tested positive for Giardia spp. by microscopy during 2023. In this cross-sectional study, socioeconomic, cultural, and symptomatology information were collected. The association between risk factors and intestinal parasitic infections was analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests with SPSS 26 and GraphPad Prism 8 software at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: More than half of the patients were under 30 years old. Most cases of the disease were observed in hot seasons (spring and summer). A significant correlation was found between the prevalence of giardiasis and factors such as close contact with animals, the use of unfiltered water, soil contact, and warmer seasons. No significant correlation was observed between economic status and travel history. 85% of patients had watery diarrhea, and 15% had bloody diarrhea. Conclusion: This is the first epidemiological study conducted in Wardak province, central Afghanistan. The findings reveal the prevalence of giardiasis and its interaction with multiple risk factors. This study suggests that giardiasis is an important causative factor for gastrointestinal diseases in the study region.