CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

An illness caused by the protozoan, Giardia lamblia, and characterized by chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight loss, or malabsorption. Asymptomatic infections are common.

The infection is acquired through ingestion of Giardia lamblia cysts with water or food contaminated with stool from infected people or animals. The incubation period is usually 3-25 days or longer, median 7-10 days.

1. CONFIRMED

   • Demonstration of Giardia lamblia cysts in stool, OR

   • Demonstration of Giardia lamblia trophozoites in stool, duodenal fluid, or small bowel biopsy, OR

   • Demonstration of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool by a specific immunodiagnostic test (e.g., ELISA).
     
     
2. PROBABLE
   
   A clinically compatible case that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case by the DHSS.
   
   
3. POSSIBLE
   
   Not used
   
   

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