Authors: Jacobien Veenemans, Theo Mank, Maarten Ottenhof, Amrish Baidjoe, Erasto V. Mbugi, Ayse Y. Demir, Jos P. M. Wielders, Huub F. J. Savelkoul, Hans Verhoef
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001158
Abstract Summary
Surprising findings challenge assumptions about Giardia parasites in children. In Ethiopian preschoolers, asymptomatic Giardia infection was linked to reduced diarrhea and fever—but only in those not receiving multi-nutrient supplements. Supplementation eliminated this protective effect, suggesting nutrients may alter Giardia’s behavior or gut pathogen interactions, with important implications for intervention programs.
Why Brain? 🧠
Asymptomatic Giardia infection protected Tanzanian children against diarrhea, but multi-nutrient supplementation eliminated this protective effect, suggesting nutrients may alter parasite behavior or gut pathogen dynamics.
License: CC BY.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
