Fetomaternal Complications by Giardiasis in Pregnant Female: A Case Report

Among the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) neglected parasitic diseases, giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia is significant due to its morbidity and mortality, in the form of diarrhoea and malabsorption, affecting children, adults and travelers. Since it is transmitted by contaminated water and food, with minimum infective dose of just 10 cysts, burden is greater in developing countries. In present case report, a 30-year-old pregnant female suffering from prolonged diarrhoea presented to the Emergency Department in shock. Stool culture revealed no significant pathogens; however, a wet mount preparation showed motile trophozoites with a falling leaflike motion, leading to a diagnosed as case of chronic giardiasis. This condition resulted in massive fluid loss and oligohydramnios, ultimately causing Intrauterine Foetal Death (IUFD). The patient was treated with tinidazole given as primary treatment with correction of hypovolemia and shock. Patient was referred to higher centre for IUFD management. Since most reports of this infection focus on children, this case report of an adult pregnant female highlights the necessity of screening diarrhoea patients, especially pregnant females, through stool routine microscopy as rapid method for diagnosing such parasitic infections in order to prevent complications.