DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i09.005

Pages: 1149-1155

Background: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasites worldwide and remains an important public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond its role in acute diarrhoeal disease, increasing evidence suggests that giardiasis may be associated with chronic gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders through alterations in intestinal barrier integrity, immune regulation, and gut microbiota. However, data regarding these associations remain limited in Libya. Objective: To investigate the distribution of Giardia duodenalis infection patterns and evaluate their associations with diabetes mellitus and chronic gastrointestinal diseases among patients attending Benghazi Medical Center, Eastern Libya. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 patients attending Benghazi Medical Center. Stool specimens were examined using conventional parasitological techniques for the detection of intestinal parasites. Demographic and available clinical data were collected from study records. Associations between Giardia-associated infection patterns, diabetes mellitus, and chronic gastrointestinal diseases were assessed using appropriate statistical tests, with statistical significance defined as P < 0.05. Results: Giardia duodenalis was the predominant intestinal protozoan identified, with cysts detected in 65.9% (62/94) of participants. A statistically significant association was observed between Giardia-associated infection patterns and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.033). A significant association was also observed between intestinal parasitic infection patterns and chronic gastrointestinal diseases (P = 0.016). Among participants with available gastrointestinal clinical data, inflammatory bowel disease was the most frequently reported chronic gastrointestinal condition (57.8%), followed by Helicobacter pylori infection (23.3%). Conclusion: Giardia duodenalis was the predominant intestinal protozoan dete