the inhibitory properties of and mode of action of plant essential oils ...

Following on from the acute stage is the development of a chronic or subacute stage
of infection. Typically the patient exhibits recurrent and brief episodes of loose stools
(which may be frothy, yellowish and float on the toilet water) accompanied by foul
flatus and increased abdominal distension. Not uncommon is a condition called the
‘purple burps’ where belching is accompanied with a rotten egg taste. Anorexia and
nausea are common as well as fatigue, headaches and myalgias possibly occurring.
These symptoms are alleviated following effective drug treatment.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, a short treatment regimen of tinidazole (Fasigyn ® ) (2 g once
in adults) or metronidazole (Flagyl ® ) (250 mg three times daily 7 days for adults) are
80% to 95% effective, respectively (Petri 2005). However, side effects are common
with these drugs and are described as nausea, headaches, diarrhoea, abdominal
cramps, a strong metallic taste, dizziness, dark discoloured urine and a disulphiram-
like reaction when taken with alcohol (nausea and vomiting) (Harris, Plummer and
Lloyd 2001; Ortega & Adam 1997).
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