Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Regional disparities in transmission dynamics of Giardia duodenalis in Asia: implications for targeted interventions

Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench, , 2 March 2026 , Page 1-9 (e20)
https://doi.org/10.22037/ghfbb.v19i01.3294

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the Force of Infection (FoI) and infection clearance rate (ICR) of G. duodenalis to characterize its transmission dynamics and inform public health interventions.

Background: G. duodenalis is an important gastrointestinal pathogen, particularly in developing countries, causing chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and stunted growth in children.

Methods: To estimate the FoI and ICR for various countries and population groups in Asia, we first performed a meta-analysis of sero-epidemiological data to obtain annual prevalence estimates. We then fitted two sets of differential equations to the annual prevalence of G. duodenalis and used bootstrap to generate 95% confidence intervals for these estimates.

Results: In Asia, the estimated FoI and ICR were 0.092 (95% CI: 0.089-0.098) and 0.132 (95% CI: 0.129-0.135), respectively, indicating a decreasing trend in G. duodenalis, as the ICR exceeds the FoI. Syria, Nepal, and Cambodia reported the highest FoI values, while China, India, and Iraq had the lowest. Only Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Yemen exhibited an increasing prevalence trend, suggesting their FoI values are higher than the ICR. The highest FoI occurred in preschool and mixed schools, with an increasing trend observed only in primary school children.

Conclusion: Despite the declining trend of G. duodenalis in Asia, it is still not under control. To effectively eliminate and manage G. duodenalis, particularly in high-risk countries, targeted interventions are crucial, including enhancements in sanitation, access to clean water, healthcare services, and educational programs.

Keywords:
  • Giardia
  • Force of infection
  • Asia
  • Infection clearance rate
  • Sero-epidemiology

How to Cite

Olfatifar, M., Ghadir, M. R., & Norouzinia, M. (2026). Regional disparities in transmission dynamics of Giardia duodenalis in Asia: implications for targeted interventions . Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench, 19(01), 1–9 (e20). https://doi.org/10.22037/ghfbb.v19i01.3294

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