Introduction
Giardiasis is caused by the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia. It is spread by the faeco-oral route
Epidemiology
- Incidence: 25.00 cases per 100,000 person-years
- Peak incidence: 1-5 years
- Sex ratio: 1:1
| Condition | Relative incidence |
|---|---|
| Viral gastroenteritis | 200.00 |
| Coeliac disease | 4.00 |
| Giardiasis | 1 |
| <1 | 1-5 | 6+ | 16+ | 30+ | 40+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ |
Clinical features
Features
- often asymptomatic
- lethargy, bloating, abdominal pain
- flatulence
- non-bloody diarrhoea
- chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption and lactose intolerance can occur
Investigations
Stool microscopy for trophozoite and cysts are classically negative, therefore duodenal fluid aspirates or 'string tests' (fluid absorbed onto swallowed string) are sometimes needed
Management
Treatment is with metronidazole.