 Clinical Features:
 "The
spectrum varies from asymptomatic
carriage to severe diarrhea and
malabsorption. - Acute
giardiasis develops after an incubation
period of 5 to 6 days and usually lasts 1
to 3 weeks.
- Symptoms
include;
 diarrhea- abdominal pain
- bloating
- nausea
- vomiting.
 In chronic
giardiasis the symptoms are recurrent and
malabsorption and debilitation may
occur."
- Laboratory Diagnosis:
- "Giardiasis
is diagnosed by the identification of
cysts or trophozoites in the feces, using
direct mounts as well as concentration
procedures.
- Repeated
samplings may be necessary.
- In
addition, samples of duodenal fluid
(e.g., Enterotest) or duodenal biopsy may
demonstrate trophozoites.
- Alternate
methods for detection include antigen
detection tests by enzyme immunoassays,
and detection of parasites by
immunofluorescence.
- Both methods are
available in commercial
kits."
- Treatment:
- The Medical Letter
recommends metronidazole (Flagyl) as the
drug of choice, with tinidazole,
furazolidone, and paromomycin as
alternatives.
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