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Published on: December 4, 2020

Frequency of Giardia lamblia infection in children with recurrent abdominal pain

Mohammad Younas1, Saminullah Shah, Azmat Talaat

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|July 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Giardia lamblia infection is common in children with recurrent abdominal pain. Prompt treatment with antiparasitic medication can resolve symptoms and indicate the pathogen's causative role.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common pediatric complaint with various potential causes.
  • Giardia lamblia is a known intestinal parasite that can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in children experiencing recurrent abdominal pain.
  • To investigate the causative role of Giardia lamblia in pediatric recurrent abdominal pain.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study involved 239 children (aged 4-14) with RAP.
  • Stool samples were analyzed for Giardia lamblia, with multiple samples collected if initial tests were negative.
  • Positive cases received treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by symptom evaluation.

Main Results:

  • Giardia lamblia infection was detected in 30.96% of children with RAP.
  • Clinical symptoms included abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and anorexia.
  • Risk factors identified were poor hygiene, inadequate toilet training, overcrowding, and low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

  • A significant percentage of children with recurrent abdominal pain harbor Giardia lamblia infections.
  • The findings support Giardia lamblia as a potential causative agent in pediatric recurrent abdominal pain.
  • Treatment led to symptom resolution in follow-up evaluations.
Abstract

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