Giardia lamblia

• flagellate protozoan
• leaf-like configuration with two prominent nuclei
• found in the luminal mucous, adherant to the mucosal surface (does not enter)
• non-invasive, still produces both diarrhea and malabsorption.

Aetiology

Fecal-contamination of drinking water.

Clinical Features

• Weight loss: 90%
• Arthropathy: 85%
• Diarrhoea: 75%
• Abdominal pain: 60%

The biopsy usually appears normal, but stool examination reveals both cysts & Trophozoites.