Coexistence of Helicobacter pylori and Giardia duodenalis causes severe iron deficiency anaemia in an adult male: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), the most prevalent type of anaemia, is recognised as a significant global health concern that affects individuals of all ages. Case Presentation: Herein, we present a case involving an adult male coinfected with Helicobacter pylori and Giardia duodenalis, which precipitated severe IDA. Results: A 24-year-old male presented with symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea persisting for four weeks. Thorough blood tests, including complete blood counts, blood film, and iron studies, conclusively established the presence of severe IDA. Furthermore, his faecal sample was collected and subjected to analysis of common bacterial and parasitic gastrointestinal infections. Examination of upper and lower gastrointestinal pathogens indicated that the severe IDA was most likely a result of coinfection with H. pylori and G. duodenalis. The patient received treatment involving antibiotics and iron replacement therapy, which resulted in an improvement in both his symptoms and laboratory results. Conclusions: The present report provides crucial insights into the synergistic effect of concurrent H. pylori and G. duodenalis infections, highlighting their potential to induce severe IDA in infected patients.