Protozoal Infection

Key points

• Giardiasis, amoebiasis and cryptosporidiosis are intestinal protozoal infections that often spread via contaminated food or water.
• Diarrhoea, bloating and stomach cramps are typical; amoebiasis can sometimes spread to the liver and cause fever.
• The signs can resemble other digestive illnesses, so stool or blood testing is often needed before treatment with metronidazole or another antiprotozoal medicine begins.

Symptoms and affected areas

Nausea, fatigue, bloating and stomach cramps can occur, along with loose stools or diarrhoea. Giardia infection often produces greasy stools with a strong smell. Amoebiasis can occasionally move beyond the gut to the liver, leading to upper right abdominal pain and fever. Cryptosporidiosis also targets the digestive tract.

Diagnosis and treatment

Treatment depends on the organism responsible. Confirming the diagnosis usually requires a stool sample or blood test. Many intestinal protozoal infections respond to metronidazole, an antiprotozoal medicine that interferes with the parasite’s survival. Using treatment without a diagnosis can mean the wrong medicine is chosen, as the signs can resemble other digestive illnesses.

Metronidazole tablets

Metronidazole comes as a tablet in 200 mg and 400 mg strengths. Orders are shipped from pharmacy partners in India to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to seek medical assessment

Seek medical assessment promptly if symptoms last longer than a few days, stools contain blood, or a high fever is present.

Further reading

• Giardiasis (giardia)
• Giardiasis fact sheet
• About Parasites - CDC
• Leishmaniasis - World Health Organization (WHO)