Protozoan Infections of GI Tract

What is the pathogen for Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery)

Entamoeba histolytica

What are symptoms of Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery)

Mild diarrhea to severe dysentery and colitis; may cause abscess on the liver

How is Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery) transmitted

Fecal-oral route; ingestion of cysts from fecally contaminated water, food, or hands

How is Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery) tested for

Stool O&P exam, enzyme immunoassay

How is Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery) treated

Metronidazole, tinidazole, diloxanide furoate, iodoquinol, paromomycin

What is the pathogen for Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis

What are symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis

Watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, dehydration, and weight loss

How is Cryptosporidiosis transmitted

Contact with feces of infected mice, birds, farm animals; ingestion of contaminated food or water; exposure to contaminated water while swimming or bathing

How is Cryptosporidiosis tested for

Stool O&P exam, enzyme immunoassay, PCR

How is Cryptosporidiosis treated

Nitazoxanide, azithromycin and paromomycin

What is the pathogen for Cyclosporiasis

Cyclospora cayetanensis

What are symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

Explosive diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, bloating

How is Cyclosporiasis transmitted

Ingestion of contaminated food or water

How is Cyclosporiasis tested for

Stool O&P exam using ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy

How is Cyclosporiasis treated

Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole

What is the pathogen for Giardiasis

Giardia lamblia

What are symptoms of Giardiasis

Diarrhea, nausea, stomach, cramps, gas, greasy stool, dehydration if severe; sometimes malabsorption syndrome

How is Giardiasis transmitted

Contact with infected individual or contaminated fomites; ingestion of contaminated food or water

How is Giardiasis tested for

Stool O&P exam; ELISA direct fluorescence antibody assays

How is Giardiasis treated

Metronidazole, tinidazole