Giardiasis and H. pylori in upper gastrointestinal system absorbed some vitamins and mineral
occurs. This study detected the serum levels of copper, zinc, vitamins B12 & B9 among giardiasis
and/or H. pylori patients and compared the serum levels of these minerals and vitamins
among them. A total of 95 patients suffered from acute diarrhea were subjected to questionnaire
taking, stool analysis, iron/haematoxylin staining, H.pylori antigen detection and serum level
detection of zinc, copper, vitamins B12 & B9. Patients were divided into G1 (n=13) for microscopic
Giardia +ve, G2 (n=40) H. pylori +ve, G3 (n=6) both Giardia & H.pylori +ve, G4
(n=36) Giardia & H. pylori –ve (control). The mean age of patients was 45.7±17. On comparing
variables among patients; residence, abdominal pain and flatulence were statistically significant
(P ≤ 0.05). Serum levels of zinc, vitamins B12 & B9 were within normal ranges, except
copper level was higher than normal in all groups. G3 (co-infections) showed the lowest levels
of zinc, vitamins B12 & B9. None of serum levels were statistically significant on comparing
the four groups. Both giardiasis and H. pylori altered levels of micronutrients but during acute
infection serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12 & B9 were still within normal ranges. Pattern of infection
either chronic or acute were basic regarding micronutrients levels.