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Giardia lamblia and chronic gastritis
M M Sanad1, R A Darwish, M E Nasr
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Gastric giardiasis, a rare condition, can occur with intestinal giardiasis, especially with reduced stomach acid. This study highlights its association with dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Giardiasis, typically an intestinal infection, is rarely found in the stomach.
- Chronic gastritis and decreased gastric acidity may predispose individuals to gastric giardiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of gastric giardiasis in patients with intestinal giardiasis and/or chronic gastritis.
- To identify associated symptoms and co-infections in cases of gastric giardiasis.
Main Methods:
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 102 patients.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and immunoperoxidase (IIP) techniques were used to detect Giardia antigen in gastric biopsies.
Main Results:
- Gastric giardiasis was detected in 11.4% (ELISA) and 8.6% (IIP) of patients with intestinal giardiasis.
- Gastric giardiasis was more frequent in patients with both giardiasis and chronic gastritis (14%) compared to giardiasis alone (5%).
- Dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori (75%), and duodenogastric reflux (50%) were significantly associated with gastric giardiasis.
Conclusions:
- Gastric giardiasis can occur alongside intestinal giardiasis, particularly under conditions of reduced gastric acidity.
- Giardia detection in gastric biopsies is recommended for patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and H. pylori.
- Gastric giardiasis should be considered as a potential cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.