Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Giardiasis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise giardiasis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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