Intestional Parasites

Intestinal parasites are common in areas of the world where there is overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate water control facilites. In the regions where children are being adopted from internationally, most of these conditions exist.

The most common parasite that the children encounter is giardia (giardia lamblia). However there are others that they might also come into contact with.

An infection with giardia begins with oral ingestion of the cysts. Stomach acid activates these cysts which then release trophozoites. The trophozoites attach to the lining of the small intestine, are also swept down the intestines and passed out in the feces.

Three times more children than adults are affected with giardia. Symptoms can include sudden explosive foul smelling diarrhea, thick formless stools, excess gas, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, irritability, growth failure and failure to thrive. Some infected children may not experience any symptoms.

Diagnosis of giardia is usually made by a specific microscopic examination of several stool specimens collected over 3 days or more. Frequently the parasite may be overlooked. There is also a new antigen test available that shows a high degree of accuracy. Rarely are biopsies done now to diagnose an infection.

Treatment of the giardia infection consists of taking the medications Flagyl (metrondazole) or Furoxone (furazolidone). Testing should be redone once the treatment has been completed. Sometimes several courses of antibiotics are necessary to eradicate the parasite.

Occasionally, once parasitic infections are cleared up, the children still have some problems. At that point other parasitic infections should be looked for as well as a possible H Pylori (heliobacter pylori) infection. An examination by a pediatric infections disease specialist may also be necessary. 

Cindy Sundman R.N., BSN