Giardia Lamblia, Entamoeba Histolytica and Blastocystis Hominis

posted on 22 November 2007 | posted in In Depth Articles

Heard of them? These are the names of types of intestinal protozoa that could be found in the gut.

Contrary to popular opinion, protozoal parrasites are commin in the U.K. Unfortunately, parasitology is often taught to medical students by the medical school's department of tropical medicine, and this fosters the illusion that parasitic diseases are of little relevance in the West.

Protozoa are single cell parasites. There is some debate as to whether Blastocystis Hominis should be classed as a protozoan, and perhaps should be regarded as being a member of a distinct but as yet unclassified group. Other intestinal protozoal parasites sometimes seen in the U.k> include Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax (Entamoeba) nana, Iodamoeba (Entamoeba) buetschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Cryptosporidium parvum.

Giardia Lamblia is a flagellated protozoan that attaches to the wall of the small intestine (duodenum and upper jejunum) and may also be found in the gall-bladder. When swept into the faecal stream, it encysts so stool samples rarely show the trophozoite (the active, motile feeding stage in the life cycle of a protozoan). Giardia interferes with the absorption of fats, sugars and vitamins, especially vitamin A, carotene, folic acid, and vitamin B12 (the latter two deficiencies can result in anaemia). Malabsorption of sugars results in their passing through to the colon, where they create a bacterial dysbiosis. It has been suggested that this malabsorption is a result of a mechanical barrier produced by large numbers of Giardia attaching to the microvillar surfaces, but effects on digestive enzyme activity and microvaillar function are also possible. In fact villous flattening and even total atrophy of the gut lining can occur, not unlike the situation in coeliac disease. Commonly this is associated with lactose intolerance.

Other gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhoea (common), alternating with constipation (irritable bowel syndrome), pale stools with mucus, steatorrhoea (fatty stools), epigastric pain (pain in area just below the ribs), abdominal cramps, anorexia (no appetite), weight loss, nausea, flatulence, and food intolerances - possibly associated with decreased intestinal secretory IgA. Systemic effects may include immune deficiency, allergies, asthma, urticaria, arthritis, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, headache, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands, night sweats and occasional fever. This latter constellation of symptoms might well be diagnosed as being M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The prevalence of giardiasis in the U.K. is belived to be between 2% and 10%.

Entamoeba histolytica usually inhabits the large bowel lumen, but with the aid of cytolytic enzymes may invade the mucous membrane, leading to erosion and ulceration. Occasionally it enters the portal bloodstream and is transported to the liver, lungs, and brain, where abscesses may develop. Possible symptoms include diarrhoea (full blown amoebic dysentery with bloody diarrhoea in severe infections), constipation, polyarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This infection may sometimes be misdiagnosed as ulcerative colitis. There is usually a history of foreign travel. Prevalence in the West is said to be around 2-5%.

Blastocystis hominus also inhabits the large intestine and may lodge within the mucosa, making eradication difficult. Pain, constipation, diarrhoea and flatulence are the commonest symptoms, but around 10% of patients are likely to suffer with systemic symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, pruritus (itching), anorexia (loss of appetite), and weight loss. Blastocystis produces a lectin that is immunosuppressive and may therby provoke food allergies. It has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

Bacterial dysbiosis promotes infection with Blastocystis as does the presence of candida and protozoal parasites. Pathogenicity is enhanced in the pressence of a leaky gut. The infection rate among Westerners is about 10%.

Intestinal protozoa may be detected in stool samples or using test vials with kinesiology.

Quassia Plus has been devloped for the treatment of Giardia and intestinal amoebic infections. It also has good activity against Blastocystis hominis. It contains a blend of powerful anti-protozoal herbs including the famed Artemesia annua, which has been used in China for two thousand years for the treatment of parasites.

Sinced die-off reaction is a possibility when first treating a protozoal infections (and since Quassia Plus also contains some anti-candidal activity - sometimes sufferers may suffer from unrecognised candidiasis in adittion to the assumed protozoal infection), the starting dose should be kept at one capsule 1-2 times daily and increased to the full dose over a period of 2-3 weeks as per label instructions. A three month course at the full dose is recommended. To prevent recurrences, it is advisable to treat any bacterial dysbiosis and immune weakness. To strengthen the immune system, we recommend Astragalus Formula and other similar supplements. For more information on leaky gut and colonic dysbiosis, read the related articles listed on the right.

Note: We find that the occurence of gut protozoa is commonly linked to many health problems. Even if a sufferer has not been diagnosed, this protocol is very much worth pursuing as we find that many feel much better after treatment.

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Giardia Lamblia, Entamoeba Histolytica and Blastocystis Hominis