Giardiasis
Start with the big picture
Giardiasis may cause foul-smelling watery diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, steatorrhea, weight loss, or chronic malabsorption, although infection can be asymptomatic. Exposure risks include contaminated water or food, daycare settings, travel, and some sexual practices; IgA deficiency and malnutrition are among the listed risk factors. Diagnosis may use stool testing, antigen tests, or nucleic acid amplification, with duodenal aspirate considered when suspicion remains high despite negative results. The source outlines tinidazole as first-line therapy and lists alternative agents, pregnancy considerations, counseling, and approaches to treatment failure. Post-therapy management and public-health measures—including safe water practices and hygiene—are also important parts of care.
What you'll learn
- Describe Giardia duodenalis and its principal routes of transmission.
- Identify the infective cyst stage and its relevance to water safety.
- Recognize common symptoms, possible complications, and risk factors.
- Summarize diagnostic approaches and treatment options described in the source.
- Explain key counseling, post-therapy, and prevention considerations.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.