STUDY TO DETERMINE THE CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF NITAZOXANIDE IN TREATMENT OF GIARDIASIS AMONG CHILDREN

Giardia lambia intestinal infection is a common cause of diarrhea not only in Pakistan but around the world. It is believed to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age group.

Aim: The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of Nitazoxanide treatment in children with diarrhea caused by G. lambia.

Methods: A total of 50 children with diarrhea caused by G. intestinalis received a 3-day nitazoxanide therapy (10 mg / kg / day in 2 doses for 3 days). Patients were monitored for clinical response 7 days after initiation of treatment, and then a stool sample was collected for parasitology and lamblia antigen testing.

Results: Diarrhea resolved in all 50 (100%) children treated with nitazoxanide prior to the 7-day follow-up visit. Most diarrhea resolved within 4 days. The Giardia antigen turned negative in 96.0% of the population after 3 days of treatment. Whereas the giardia and / or oocytes / cysts became negative in 86.0% of the patient population.

Conclusions: The 3-day cycle of nitazoxanide suspension is as effective as the treatment of lamblia in children. It is well tolerated and has no significant side effects.

Key words: nitazoxanide, Giardiasis.