Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Giardiasis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Persistent diarrhoea - typically >2 weeks; pale, greasy, offensive-smelling, floating stools (steatorrhoea)
- Abdominal bloating and flatulence - often the most distressing symptom
- Weight loss and lethargy - due to malabsorption
- No blood or mucus in stool - key distinguishing feature from amoebiasis, Shigella, Campylobacter
- Post-infective lactose intolerance - symptoms worsen after dairy; due to brush-border lactase loss; persists weeks to months after infection resolves
- Incubation period - 1-3 weeks
Classic vignette: persistent (>2 weeks) foul-smelling floating diarrhoea + bloating/flatulence + weight loss + NO blood + travel history / fresh water exposure / childcare setting. Dairy making it worse = lactose intolerance clue.
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