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Dysphagia to solids and liquids in a patient with thick/thin blood smears (Giemsa) revealing what appears to be motile parasites.

Dx?

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Final answer:

The likely diagnosis for a patient with dysphagia and motile parasites seen in blood smears could be a parasitic infection such as giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, or leishmaniasis. Microscopic exams, ELISA, and PCR assays are used for diagnosis, and treatments like metronidazole or tinidazole are commonly prescribed for giardiasis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you're asking involves diagnosing a condition where a patient is experiencing dysphagia to solids and liquids, and their blood smears reveal motile parasites. Conditions such as giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia, and other parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis might be considered given the presence of parasites on a Giemsa-stained smear. Giardia lamblia is a common parasite that causes gastrointestinal symptoms and is typically identified via a stool ova and parasite (O&P) exam, which reveals cysts and trophozoites of the parasite under microscopic observation. Other diagnostic methods include ELISA, PCR-based assays, and direct fluorescence antibody tests. Treatment usually begins with metronidazole or tinidazole for giardiasis, whereas specific treatments for other parasitic infections vary based on the type and severity of the infection.

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