Research Article

Genetic analysis of the parasite Giardia duodenalis in some infected individuals and understanding the genetic traits that affect its interaction with the host

Abstract

In this research, genetic data and characteristics associated with the Giardia duodenalis parasite were collected in order to understand its genetic characteristics and the way it interacts with the host body. The study was carried out by collecting 250 stool samples from people infected with the parasite in Baghdad City Hospital in 2023, with different symptoms due to the presence of different genetic pat-terns. Among infected people in multiple age groups, and testing samples by direct wet swab. Genetic patterns that affect the parasite’s interaction with the host and cause disease symptoms have also been studied. The results of the study indicate the presence of certain genetic patterns that affect the interac-tion of parasites with the host. Understanding these genetic traits enhances our understanding of para-site activity and the causes of disease development. Advanced genetic analysis techniques such as (PCR) and (PCR-RFLP) were used to determine the genotypes of the parasite studied. The results showed that genes doubled in 42 samples out of the total samples (21%), of which 24 samples con-tained genotype A (57.14%), 12 samples contained genotype B (28.57%), and 6 samples contained genotypes A and B. By (14.29%). Both genotypes A and B caused symptoms of fever and abdominal pain, and genotype B caused diarrhea symptoms to a greater extent in younger age groups, while geno-type A symptoms were similar in all samples and age groups. The results of this study potentially open doors to the development of effective, targeted therapies to treat and reduce the risks associated with this disease.