The efficacy of metronidazole in the treatment of giardiasis

An eight-month survey of patients with gastrointestinal complaints is presented. There were 213 cases collected. Based on stool examinations, Ascaris lumbricoides is still the most common followed by Giardia lamblia and Trichuris trichiura, respectively. From these 213 cases, Giardia was detected in 34 patients. Most of the subjects belong to the older age group between 7-10 years. Anorexia and weight loss are the most common complaints followed by diarrhoea. Based on the duration of complaints, giardiasis is a chronic infection. All 34 subjects were managed with metronidazole at a dose of 40 mg per kg per day in three divided doses for a period of seven days. Cure rate was 100% with no toxicity noted. Metronidazole is therefore suggested as a drug of choice for Giardia lamblia infection.