Giardiasis
M. S. Wolfe
The recent near-epidemic incidence of Giardia lamblia infection in visitors
to the Soviet Union illustrates the importance of this intestinal
flagellate as a cause of diarrhea in travelers worldwide. Clinical states
range from the asymptomatic cyst-passing stage, to the chronic or subacute
stage mimicking gallbladder or ulcer disease, to the transient or, rarer,
persistent acute stage with steatorrhea and substantial weight loss.
Symptoms may be related to IgA deficiency. Secondary lactose intolerance
may follow eradication of the parasite. Diagnosis is usually based on
repeated stool examinations or examination of duodenal contents. Quinacrine
hydrochloride is the most effective treatment, but metronidazole and
furazolidone are also useful. Contaminated water is the most likely source
of infection.
