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Article
Is there an association of giardiasis with beta-thalassemia minor?
Eastern Journal of Medicine
  • Javed Yakoob, Aga Khan University
  • Wasim Jafri, Aga Khan University
  • Hizbullah Shaikh, King’s College Hospital
Publication Date
7-1-2010
Document Type
Report
Abstract

Beta–thalassemia minor is a symptomless carrier state of a hemoglobinopathy which predisposes to bacterial infections. We report three cases presenting with giardiasis, a parasitic infection of gastrointestinal tract caused by Giardia lamblia. Patients presented with recurrent diarrhea and abdominal pain for over a year. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy finding varied from normal to acute duodenitis. Duodenal biopsy demonstrated changes consistent with mild chronic non-specific inflammation with G. lamblia trophozoites. All three patients were diagnosed as β -thalassemia minor hemoglobin electrophoresis. They were treated with Diloxanide furoate 500 mg and Metronidazole 400mg three times daily for five days. Their symptoms resolved and a stool test repeated one week after the end of treatment was normal. The host immune system both humoral and cellular components have a role in protection and clearance of Giardiasis. However, β -thalassemia minor patients have an observed probability of gardiasis but not a confirmed incidence.

Citation Information
Javed Yakoob, Wasim Jafri and Hizbullah Shaikh. "Is there an association of giardiasis with beta-thalassemia minor?" Eastern Journal of Medicine Vol. 15 Iss. 3 (2010) p. 128 - 131
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/javedyakoob/27/