Giardiasis

Excerpt

Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis, is one of the most common treatable causes of gastroenteritis worldwide, with a burden higher in low-income countries. In high-income countries, risk factors for giardiasis include international travel, exposure to untreated freshwater sources, male-male sexual contact, contact with diapered children, recent antibiotic use, and underlying chronic gastrointestinal disease.

The clinical presentation typically involves diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, and bloating; however, asymptomatic colonization is also common. In some patients, a chronic infection may lead to malabsorption and weight loss. Treatment with nitroimidazoles or other antiparasitic medications is generally highly effective.