Giardia Lamblia

In our case study the 31 year old man was first evaluated for diarrhea, and he had continuous abdominal pain prior to his evaluation. That symptom automatically is associated with a disease affecting the digestive system. With obtaining 8-10 stools per day, there are definite vigorous parasites involved affecting this patient. This pear shaped trophozoite, flagellated protozoan is named Giardia Lamblia, which causes Giardiasis. Giardia Lamblia has a very unique way of affecting the body to perform its task. Giardiasis is a waterborne infection and can be transmitted in multiple ways of contamination. It is also the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans. Giardia Lamblia reproduces through binary fission, by attaching to the

Some less common symptoms associated with this infection include hives, itchy skin and swelling of the eyes and joints. It may sometimes seem as if even after the infection disappears the symptoms may reappear after certain weeks, or even days. Due to the chronic diarrhea, weight loss and failure to absorb lactose, fat and Vitamin A and B12 is another effect of this

There are several medicines that can help rid of this disease. The most helpful and effective medications used are Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Nitazoxanide or Furazolidone. Alcohol should not be consumed when taking any of these medications. Pregnant women are not allowed to take these medications hence the effect it will have on the fetus. Metronidazole (flagyl) is the most commonly used antibiotic to this disease. Some side effects are nausea, metallic taste in mouth, vomiting, headache and dry mouth. Nitazoxanide is accessible in liquid form and must be taken with some type of food. Tinidazole is an anti protozoal antibiotic that helps treat certain bacterial maladies including Giardiasis. Common symptoms include dark urine, vomiting, headache, constipation, general body discomfort, stomach pain and