Detection of Giardia Lamblia Assemblage E Using Nested PCR among Children in Sohag City, Egypt

The purpose of this study was the detection Giardia lamblia ( G.lamblia ) assemblage E (host specific for animals) in stool samples of children suffering from gastrointestinal disturbance admitted to Sohag University hospital, Sohag, Egypt. Stool samples were microscopically examined by formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation test for observation of Giardia species (trophozoite or cyst). Then nested PCR was used to detect G.lamblia assemblage E through triosephosphate isomerase gene (Tpi gene) amplification from positive stool samples. Risk factors related to infection were determined based on a data collected from each child parents through a standard form. The results revealed that 12 (25.5%) out of 47 of the examined children were positive for G.lamblia assemblage E. Referring to risk factors associated with infection, contact with animals, raised in rural area and playing outdoor were significantly correlated with infection. This study aimed to detect the role of animals in transmission of G.lamblia assemblage E to children and spotlights on the risk factors related to infection.