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Abstract Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan parasite that inhabits the small intestine of humans and other mammals causing a spectrum of disease, which varies from asymptomatic to severe diarrhea and weight loss. The organism has a worldwide distribution in both developing and developed nations, with a global incidence of up to 30. Infants and young children appear to be particularly susceptible to infection, which is believed to contribute to growth impairment in the developing world. The most common mode of transmission is the direct fecal-oral route. There are also well-documented waterborne epidemic outbreaks, as Giardia cysts survive well in untreated water and can resist levels of chlorination that are effective against bacteria. Diagnosis of Giardia lamblia relies largely on the microscopical detection of the stages of the parasite (trophozoites and cysts) in feces, but this is labour and time consuming and depends on the skill of an experienced observer. Furthermore, difficulties are encountered in the diagnosis by microscopy due to the erratic excretion pattern of the organism by patients with giardiasis. |