Characteristics of the randomized controlled trials included in the meta-analysis.

Abbreviations: N.S., Not Stated; s.i.d., once a day; t.i.d., three times a day; RCT, randomized clinical trial.¥Albendazole group.‡Metronidazole group.#The included patients were probably symptomatic individuals referred to three hospitals in India.€Initially 768 children were screened in an urban slum in Dhaka from which 678 children were found to be infected with Giradia. The infected children were probably asymptomatic cyst-passers.*The person who performed the stool microscopy was blinded to the treatments regimens.&The stool sample examiner was blinded to the treatment regimens.§Stool examination was done blinded to the treatment status of the patient.