Giardiasis

Question 1

What kind of organism is Giardia intestinalis?

Answer 1

Flagellate, primitive protozoa

Question 2

How is Giardia intestinalis transmitted?

Answer 2

Faecal-oral

Zoonoses

Question 3

Can Giardia intestinalis be carried asymptomatically?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

Answer 4

Small volume frequent diarrhoea
Nausea
Mild abdominal pain
May be acute or chronic malabsorption

Question 5

How is giardiasis diagnosed?

Answer 5

Cysts in faeces on wet mount

Question 6

How is giardiasis treated?

Answer 6

Tinidazole

Question 7

How is the spread of Giardia intestinalis controlled?

Answer 7

Sewage and water treatment

Question 8

What kind of immunity is developed to Giardia intestinalis?

Answer 8

No good long term immunity: re-infection is common