Amoebic infection

Question 1

What is gastroenteritis?

Answer 1

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Question 2

What are common causes of gastroenteritis?

Answer 2

Gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, contaminated food or water, medications, or chemical exposure.

Question 3

What is giardiasis?

Answer 3

Giardiasis is an infection of the bowels caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis, leading to gastroenteritis.

Question 4

What are common symptoms of giardiasis?

Answer 4

Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhoea (acute or chronic), abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, weight loss, malabsorption, and failure to thrive (especially in children). Vomiting and fever are uncommon.

Question 5

How is giardiasis diagnosed?

Answer 5

Giardiasis is diagnosed through stool microscopy to detect Giardia intestinalis.

Question 6

When is treatment needed for giardiasis?

Answer 6

Treatment is necessary when symptoms are present, or when there’s a risk of infecting others, particularly those at special risk (e.g., young children, immunocompromised individuals).

Question 7

What is the first-line treatment for giardiasis?

Answer 7

The first-line treatment for giardiasis is Metronidazole.

Question 8

What are other treatment options for giardiasis?

Answer 8

Other treatment options include Mepacrine (unlicensed) and Mebendazole (though less effective against Giardia).