Giardiasis: clinical and therapeutic aspects.

Abstract

SUMMARY Malabsorption was present in 29 of 40 symptomatic patients with giardiasis. Twentythree had impaired D-xylose absorption; in 20 vitamin B12 absorption was low, and 15 patients had steatorrhoea. More severe malabsorption was associated with more marked histological abnormalities. Metronidazole, 2-0 g as a single daily dose on three successive days, produced a parasitological cure rate of 91%. In contrast, the standard course of mepacrine, 100 mg thrice daily for 10 days, eradicated the parasite in only 63% of patients. Improvements in absorption and jejunal morphology followed anti-giardial treatment. Tetracycline in eight patients failed to eradicate the parasite, intestinal absorption was unaltered, and histological appearances of the jejunal mucosa often deteriorated.

Immune Response to Giardia duodenalis

“…On the other hand, Brandborg et al found normal jejunal histology with absence of inflammatory cells in symptomatic patients (with diarrhea) (29). A higher incidence of giardiasis has been reported in hypogammaglobulinemic patients (200); it appears that more severe damage to the villus is present in the hypogammaglobulinemic patients than in those with a normal immune system (65). Interestingly, the degree of villus pathology observed in patients with AIDS is comparable to that in immunocompetent patients (103), although AIDS patients are deficient in CD4 ϩ T cells.…”

Impact of breast-feeding on Giardia lamblia infections in Bilbeis, Egypt.

“…Various clinical and epidemiological studies [1][2][3][4] suggest the importance of Giardia lamblia infection on childhood morbidity related to diarrheal disease. Understanding the natural history of Giardia infection is complicated by considerable variations in cyst excretion.…”

Incidência De Parasitos Intestinais Em Crianças Das Escolas Municipais De Educação Infantil E Ensino Fundamental De Um Município Do Interior Do Rio Grande Do Sul

“…A transmissão pode ocorrer através da ingestão de cistos maduros em água sem tratamento adequado, alimentos contaminados por insetos e partículas de dejetos fecais em suspensão no ar ou de indivíduo para indivíduo em locais com aglomeração de pessoas (SANTANA et al, 2014). A infecção pode permanecer assintomática, ou apresentar sintomas como diarreia, dor abdominal, gases, vômito, perda de peso, má absorção de nutrientes e gorduras como, vitaminas A, D, E, K, vitamina B12, ferro, xilose e lactose e consequentemente a desnutrição (NETO et al, 2008;REY, 2001;WRIGHT;TOMKINS;RIDLEY, 1977).…”