What is the recommended treatment for giardiasis?

Prepare for the ASCP Parasitology Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to boost your readiness. Start your journey to certification today!

Metronidazole is recognized as the first-line treatment for giardiasis, an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. It is effective because it targets anaerobic microorganisms and is particularly effective against protozoa, disrupting their DNA synthesis and inhibiting their growth.

This drug is typically well-tolerated and has been widely studied for gastrointestinal infections, including giardiasis. While alternatives exist, such as tinidazole and nitazoxanide, metronidazole has a long history of use and efficacy in treating this specific type of parasitic infection.

Other medications listed are not appropriate for giardiasis. For instance, albendazole is primarily used for treating intestinal helminths, not protozoan infections. Ivermectin is effective against certain parasites but is not effective against Giardia. Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by trematodes and cestodes, not giardiasis. This specificity in the pharmacological action of metronidazole highlights why it is the recommended choice for giardiasis treatment.

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