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Original ArticleOpen Access
Giardia Iamblia in AIDS Patients with Diarrhea
Moolasart P 
Giardia Iamblia, a flagellate protozoan is a protozoa, frequently associated with diarrhea in
AIDS patients (adults and children). Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route by ingestion of
infectious cysts in contaminated food or drinking water. Giardia Iamblia can cause diarrhea and
intestinal malabsorption in both AIDS and non-AIDS patients. The prevalence rate of diarrhea
caused by Giardia Iamblia in AIDS patients is higher than in those without AIDS, due to humoral
immune defect in AIDS patients. The most common symptoms are abdominal distress, watery
diarrhea and weight loss. The clinical symptoms in AIDS patients are similar to those in non-AIDS
patients. Diagnosis may be made by identifying either cysts or trophozoites in a stool sample,
duodenal biopsy and aspirate. Metronidazole is the common drug of choice. Relapse may be
found in AIDS patients. At present there is no vaccine. Prevention requires proper handling, good
hygiene and treatment of water used for AIDS patients.
Key word : AIDS, Giardia Iamblia, Diarrhea
AIDS patients (adults and children). Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route by ingestion of
infectious cysts in contaminated food or drinking water. Giardia Iamblia can cause diarrhea and
intestinal malabsorption in both AIDS and non-AIDS patients. The prevalence rate of diarrhea
caused by Giardia Iamblia in AIDS patients is higher than in those without AIDS, due to humoral
immune defect in AIDS patients. The most common symptoms are abdominal distress, watery
diarrhea and weight loss. The clinical symptoms in AIDS patients are similar to those in non-AIDS
patients. Diagnosis may be made by identifying either cysts or trophozoites in a stool sample,
duodenal biopsy and aspirate. Metronidazole is the common drug of choice. Relapse may be
found in AIDS patients. At present there is no vaccine. Prevention requires proper handling, good
hygiene and treatment of water used for AIDS patients.
Key word : AIDS, Giardia Iamblia, Diarrhea
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