Some aspects of cell-mediated immunity in children with giardiasis

ABSTRACT

Nitroblue tetrazolium test [NBT], di-nitrochlorobenzene sensitization test [DNCB] and tuberculin test were carried out on 45 children infected only with Giardia lamblia and 20 parasite free controls. A positive correlation was observed between the severity of clinical symptoms and intensity of infection. NBT test showed no statistically significant difference between controls and patients neither before nor after treatment. Both DNCB and tuberculin tests were positive in 76% of cases. A significantly higher mean number of cysts/high power field was observed in patients with negative results. This denotes that giardiasis with severe manifestations may be accompanied by impairment of cell mediated immunity and that phagocytosis is not directly related to intensity of infection