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Elevated endogenous nitrate synthesis associated with giardiasis
K Wettig1, H J Dobberkau, F Flentje
1Forschungsinstitut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie Bad Elster, GDR.
Journal of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Microbiology, and Immunology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Patients with giardiasis exhibit significantly elevated urinary nitrate levels, fourfold higher than normal. This increase, potentially from endogenous synthesis, underscores nitrate
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection.
- Nitrate metabolism and its clinical implications are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urinary nitrate levels in patients with giardiasis.
- To assess the impact of metronidazole treatment on nitrate levels.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from 117 giardiasis patients.
- Nitrate concentrations were measured and compared to normal values.
Main Results:
- Mean urinary nitrate levels were 155.3 mg/l, approximately fourfold higher than normal.
- Maximum concentrations reached 1000 mg/l.
- Metronidazole treatment initially increased, then normalized nitrate levels.
Conclusions:
- Endogenously synthesized nitrate in giardiasis patients significantly contributes to their total nitrate load.
- Urinary nitrate levels can serve as a potential biomarker in giardiasis.