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Long-Term Consequences of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoan intestinal parasites which may present as asymptomatic infections in humans or cause severe and prolonged diarrhea. Studies over the last two decades show an association between these two pathogens, and various sequelae after the parasite has been successfully eradicated either by medication or by the host immune system. In endemic countries, Giardia infection has been associated with later wasting and poor cognitive function, while growth faltering, stunting, and reduced physical fitness have been shown after Cryptosporidium infections. More recently, outbreaks of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in non-endemic settings have shown association between infections with these pathogens and long-term sequelae including not only long-lasting abdominal symptom but also extra-intestinal symptoms such as chronic fatigue and joint pain. More studies are needed to confirm these associations and determine mechanisms and causality in order to identify effective prevention and treatment alternatives.

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Correspondence to Kurt Hanevik.

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Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA, facilitated this article by providing the financial support. Kurt Hanevik declares no other conflict of interest.

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This article may contain studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author. The author verifies that all current ethical standards for the conductance of prospective research were followed.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Protozoa

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Hanevik, K. Long-Term Consequences of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Gastroenteritis. Curr Trop Med Rep 3, 89–93 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40475-016-0078-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40475-016-0078-y

Keywords

  • Cryptosporidium
  • Fatigue
  • Giardia
  • Long-term sequelae
  • Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome