Giardiasis: clinical and therapeutic aspects. Issue 5 (May 1977)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright, S G; Tomkins, A M; Ridley, D S
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 18:Issue 5(1977)
• Page Start: 343
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 1977-05
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.18.5.343
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Malabsorption was present in 29 of 40 symptomatic patients with giardiasis. Twenty-three 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.