Giardiasis Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 30, 2023
  • Author: Hisham Nazer, MBBCh, FRCP, DTM&H; Chief Editor: Burt Cagir, MD, FACS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is giardiasis?

Which patient groups are at high risk for giardiasis?

How is giardiasis diagnosed?

When was giardiasis first identified?

What is the pathophysiology of giardiasis?

What is the life cycle of Giardia during transmission of giardiasis?

What is the mechanism of injury in giardiasis?

What is the role of epithelial barrier dysfunction in the pathogenesis of giardiasis?

What causes giardiasis?

What is the prevalence of giardiasis in the US?

What is the asymptomatic carriage rate of giardiasis in children?

What is the global incidence of giardiasis?

Which geographic areas have the highest prevalence of giardiasis?

Which patient groups have the highest incidence of giardiasis?

What is the prognosis of giardiasis?

What should be included in patient education about giardiasis?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of giardiasis?

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic giardiasis?

What are the extraintestinal signs and symptoms of giardiasis?

Which clinical history findings suggest giardiasis?

Which physical findings are characteristic of giardiasis?

What are the possible complications of giardiasis?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Giardiasis?

Workup

Which tests are performed in the workup of giardiasis?

What is the role of stool exam in the diagnosis of giardiasis?

What is the role of stool antigen detection in the diagnosis of giardiasis?

How is the string test performed in the workup of giardiasis?

What is the role of lab testing in the evaluation of giardiasis?

What is the role of endoscopy and biopsy in the diagnosis of giardiasis?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of giardiasis?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of giardiasis?

Treatment

How is giardiasis treated?

Which dietary and activity modifications are used in the treatment of giardiasis?

How is giardiasis treated during pregnancy?

How is treatment-resistant giardiasis managed?

How is giardiasis prevented?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of giardiasis?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Giardiasis?