Giardiasis is a symptomatic infection of the small intestine caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia lamblia with a prevalence of 0.4% to 70% in rural southern India. The current article describes phases, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of giardiasis. It is also known as Giardia intestinalis. The Giardia trophozoites (disease-causing forms) damage the epithelial absorptive surface and upper intestine.
Moreover, it affects the absorption of glucose, sodium, and water, and reduces disaccharidase activity, further leading to diarrhoea and malnutrition Clinical presentation Acute stage (1 to 3 weeks after the infection) It generally lasts 3 to 4 days, but may be prolonged to several months leading to significant malabsorption, weight loss, and debility. Many infected people may remain asymptomatic. The symptoms in the acute phase are as follows: Sudden onset of explosive,…
