Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is a single-celled parasite that can damage the wall of the small intestine. An important function of the small intestine is the absorption of food. An infection with Giardia lamblia therefore leads to reduced food absorption. Food then leaves the body partly undigested in the form of mushy stool or diarrhea. With an infection by this single-celled parasite, fewer minerals such as iron are also absorbed. Iron deficiency causes anemia, which in turn results in fatigue.

Symptoms in children

The parasite causes less food to be absorbed by the body. This can lead to weakness and weight loss. The consequences of food loss and diarrhea are greater for children than for adults because this can cause growth retardation. An infection with G. lamblia can also damage the intestine. This increases the risk of developing food allergies, particularly cow’s milk protein allergy. In practice, gluten intolerance also sometimes occurs after an infection with G. lamblia.

Testing and diagnosis

The diagnosis can be made by detecting the parasite in fresh stool by means of microscopic examination. It is also possible to use a genetic technique to detect G. lamblia. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is then used. With this technique, a characteristic piece of DNA from this parasite is extracted from the stool, multiplied many times and then measured. Both methods are suitable for detecting G. lamblia in the stool, even if the parasites have already died.

Causes and risk factors

An infection with G. lamblia is acquired through contact with the stool of infected people. The parasite forms cysts that remain intact outside the body. Children are infected with G. lamblia most often. In the Netherlands, approximately 5% of children with intestinal complaints are infected; in Europe this varies between 5 and 15%. Approximately 2% of adults are infected. The parasite occurs more frequently in developing countries.

Most people acquire the infection at a daycare center. If two or more children are infected, the GGD must be notified. If a child is infected with G. lamblia, several other people in the household are often infected with this parasite as well. It is therefore important to test all family members for infection. All infected people can then best be treated at the same time.

Treatment

There are several options for treating an infection with G. lamblia. These options are:

• Wait and see. In some cases, symptoms in children are only temporary. If an infection with G. lamblia is overcome by the body itself, the body’s immunity improves, reducing the chance of reinfection.
• Medication. If symptoms persist in children and adults, medicinal treatment is started, because an infection with G. lamblia can have serious consequences. The general practitioner will prescribe medication; the standard treatment is Flagyl. An alternative is Fasigyn, which is prescribed once at a high dose.
• Iron. Do not take extra iron in the case of anemia. Zinc can be taken; zinc improves resistance.
• Diet. Remove dairy products and bread from your diet. Stimulate the immune system and improve the intestinal flora by eating plenty of vegetables and products such as seaweed. Shiitake mushrooms and herbs are also recommended. Broth made from bones improves resistance.
• Family. It is recommended to test the entire family and treat everyone at the same time.
• Repeat test. A follow-up check takes place one week after the course of treatment.
• Hygiene. The parasite is highly contagious, especially in young children, and strict measures must be taken to protect others.
• Treatment with natural products. The success rates of natural treatment for an infection with G. lamblia are not known. However, studies have been conducted that suggest this treatment could work. The information below applies to adults, not children.
• 1. Anethum graveolens (dill): prepare 1 ml of water extract by boiling 200 ml of water with 20 g of dried leaves. Then allow it to boil down for 10 minutes until 100 ml of water remains and let it cool. Take 1 ml 3 times a day.
• 2. Ayurvedic remedies, 225 mg per kg of body weight:
  • 1. Pippali rasayana powder
  • 2. Piper longumb powder
  • 3 Butea monosperma
• 3. Berberine: take 100 mg 3 times a day.
• 4. Garlic.

Prevention of infection with this intestinal parasite

G. lamblia, like other parasites, is transmitted through contact with stool. However, not everyone develops symptoms when infected with this parasite. Because Giardia lamblia can survive outside the body for a long time, good hygiene is important. The only way to prevent the spread of harmful organisms is to wash the hands thoroughly, combined with keeping the faucet and toilet door handle clean.

About Darmklachten.nl