Immunological changes in children with giardiasis

Stool examinations, repeated after 1 to 2 days, were performed in all patients to detect Giardia lamblia cysts. Results: Of the 84 patients included in the study group, in 8 cases (9.52%) were detected Giardia lamblia cysts. The epidemiologic investigation revealed that 5 patients were married, 2 were living in a student hostel, and one was living alone. All patients were professionally active and part of collective with over 10 individuals. Five patients presented a maculopapular urticarial eruption disseminated on thorax, abdomen and limbs, and accompanied by a moderately pruritus. All patients followed a diet and a treatment with albendazole (2 × 200 mg daily, 5 days), antispasmodics, antipyretics, calcium. Six of them required a hydroelectrolytic replacement with different infusions (Ringer, glucose, physiological serum). Three out of the 8 patients were ambulatory treated with antibiotics prior to hospitalization. Nevertheless the symptoms didn’t remit and consequently they necessitated hospitalization. The stool exams of the family members (in 5 patients with families) showed the relevance of setting of the ambulatory antiparasitic therapy for the whole family. The outcome was favorable in all cases. Adverse reactions were minor and transitional: nausea in 3 cases, bitter taste 2 cases, and pyrosis 2 cases. Conclusion: The early detection of giardiasis in patients with acute enterocolitis avoids unnecessary administration of antibiotics and allows the administration of the antiparasitic therapy with optimal clinical results and decrease the spread of this affection.