Giardiasis

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An intestinal disease caused by infection with Giardia lamblia. Prevalence is high in the tropics. Spread is faecal-oral and person to person. The infective form is the cyst.

Clinical featuresMany individuals are asymptomatic and are carriers. Others develop diarrhoea, nausea, anorexia, abdominal discomfort and distension. Stools may become pale. If the illness is prolonged, weight loss may develop.

Complication

Growth retardation in children.

Treatment
Adult: Metronidazole 2g as a single dose for 3 successive days.

Sometimes a second or third course may be necessary.

Prevention• Personal hygiene
• Improvement of water quality by boiling water for at least 10 minutes.  The effects of chlorination are variable.