Giardiasis

Question 1

Giardiasis incidence?

Answer 1

the most common protozoal infection in
humans
◦ world-wide incidence of 20-60%
◦ 2-7% in industrialised countries

Question 2

Giardiasis described:

Answer 2

Intestinal infection caused by the protozoan
parasite Giardia lamblia (aka G. intestinalis or
G. duodenalis)

Once cysts reach the proximal small intestine, they excyst

Question 3

Giardiasis symptoms?

Answer 3

◦ abdominal pain
 nausea
◦ lack of appetite
 diarrhoea
◦ vomiting
 flatulence
◦ frequent burping
 tiredness

Question 4

Giardiasis consequence?

Answer 4

Infection can be acute or chronic
◦ chronic infection often results in the malabsorption
of fat, lactose (and other simple sugars), vitamin B12
and fat-soluble vitamins
◦ chronic infection can result in failure to thrive in
children

Question 5

Giardiasis treatment goals:

Answer 5

◦ inhibit G. lamblia growth, replication and/or
attachment to enterocytes
◦ promote giardial-defence mechanisms
◦ minimise unpleasant symptoms

Question 6

Giardia treatment summary

Answer 6

 Dietary Modifications
◦ high-fibre, low-fat, low-sugar diet
◦ wheat germ (assuming gluten OK)
◦ blueberries
 Probiotics
◦ Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 & Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
◦ Saccharomyes cerevisiae var boulardii Biocodex strain
◦ Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
 Herbs
◦ Garlic – press and encapsulate fresh garlic
◦ Berberine-containing herbs
 Coptis mixed with herbs for symptomatic relief
 don’t mix alkaloids & tannins in liquid mixes!