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General Medicine

Giardiasis

Carol H. Hungerford, DO Reviewed 06/2020
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia:

    • G. lamblia is also called Giardia duodenalis and Giardia intestinalis.

  • Life cycle consists of cyst and trophozoit...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • 25–50% of infected persons are symptomatic.

  • Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.

  • Persistent diarrhea, often >3 weeks (95%)

  • Abdominal cramps (70%)

  • Nausea (60%)

  • Bloating (...

TREATMENT

Outpatient for mild cases; inpatient if symptoms are severe enough to cause dehydration warranting parenteral fluid replacement. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • No treatment required in asymptomatic patient...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Monitor symptoms, weight, and stool exams, particularly if patients fail to improve. 

DIET

Low lactose/lactose free for at least 1 month; low-fat ...

REFERENCES

1
Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, et al. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis.  ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cañete R, Rodríguez P, Mesa L, et al. Albendazole versus metronidazole in the treatment of adult giardiasis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Curr Med Res Opin.  201...

CODES

ICD10

A07.1 Giardiasis [lambliasis] 

ICD9

007.1 Giardiasis 

SNOMED

  • 58265007 Giardiasis (disorder)

  • 10679007 Infection by Giardia lamblia

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Daycare facilities and public swimming pools are common sources of Giardia transmission (a history of camping or recent travel is not required for the diagnosis).

  • Abdominal bloating and...

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Related Images
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FIGURE 53-3 Scanning electron micrograph of Giardia lamblia. A. G. lamblia adhering to the gastrointestinal epithelium using its ventral sucking disk. Patients with giardiasis may have a significant reduction in the amount of absorptive surface available because of the large number of adhering parasites. B. On detaching from the intestinal epithelium, the organisms often leave a clear impression...
FIGURE 53-3 Scanning electron micrograph of Giardia lamblia. A. G. lamblia adhering to the gastrointestinal epithelium using its ventral s...
Fig GI 26-2 Giardiasis. Irregular fold thickening is most prominent in the proximal small bowel.
Fig GI 26-2 Giardiasis. Irregular fold thickening is most prominent in the proximal small bowel.
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