Iqbal Akhtar Khan.
Allergic manifestations of common Enteric Protozoa: Surgery of 100 cases.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;12(1):3-9.

Human parasitization with enteric protozoa is a global problem, more so in developing countries where unavailability of safe water, unsanitary disposal of sewage and unhygienic practices are issues of paramount concern. Pakistan, by no means, is an exception where the most prevalent pathogenic protozoa are Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Blastocystis hominis which have a serious impact on health, productivity and quality of life. The present study was conducted on 100 individuals parasitized with either of the three protozoa with or without demonstrable gastro - intestinal symptomatology but necessarily associated with one or the other allergic manifestations (the causation of which was not attributable to any known aetiology). Both the intestinal parasitism and allergic symptomatology responded successfully to the specific anti-protozoal therapy. It was justifiably concluded that allergic symptomatology in a protozoan positive patient could be due to the protozoan itself and not necessarily concomitant dermatological problem. This message, if well taken, would save the patient from avoidable prolongation of the course of illness, physical agony, mental anguish and unnecessary economic burden.

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