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Giardiasis is a small intestine infection resulted from a single-celled parasite, called Giardia Lamblia. Giardiasis happen around the world and particularly common in areas where sanitation is poor and among the children. Giardiasis is most common intestine's parasitic infection in the United States.It's more common in individuals traveling to developing countries and males homosexuals. It is also most likely to appear in individuals with low stomach acidity, impaired immune system, chronic pancreatitis and in person who has had his or her stomach surgically removed. The parasites are transmitted from one individual to another by cyst passed in the stools. Transmittion can happen directly between sex partners or children, or indirectly through contaminated water or food. Giardiasis symptoms are commonly mild and may include diarrhea, foul-smelling and bulky stool, abdominal discomfort, flatulence(increased gas), belching, and intermittent diarrhea. In severe cases, weight loss occur, because the individual can't absorb essential food nutrients. Why Giardiasis is interfering with absorption of nutrients is not known. Laboratory analysis shows the parasite in obtained stool or in secretions obtained from the duodenum. The treatment of Giardiasis consists of taking medication called quinacrine and is very effective. However, the drug can result in gastrointestinal upset, and sometimes may lead to toxic psychosis. Metronidazole is also effective against Giardiasis and produces fewer side reactions. Drug Furazolidone is less effective against Giardiasis, but because it is avaliable in a liquid form, it may be used by children. A pregnant women can be treated with drug Paromomycin, but only in severe Giardiasis.
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