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.