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Also known as: '''''Giardiosis — Giardosis — Giardia Infection — Lambliasis — Lambliosis

Also known as: '''''Giardiosis — Giardosis — Giardia Infection — Lambliasis — Lambliosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating ''[[Giardia]]'' antigen, trophozoites or cysts in the faeces. The simplest method is to examine fresh faecal smears for cysts (and occasional trophozoites), but sensitivity is improved by using concentration techniques. Centrifugal flotation in zinc sulphate solution or sugar flotation solution are both appropriate, but zinc sulphate solution is preferred as it causes minimal distortion to cysts. In this technique, faecal material is centrifuged and saturated with zinc sulphate mixture before the fluid from the top of the tube is placed on a microscope slide. Diff-Quik or Lugol's iodine are used to stain cysts and trophozoites, a coverslip is applied, and the slide is examined under the microscope. Although infrequently detected, ''[[Giardia]]'' trophozoites are approximately 8 x 15 micron tear-drop shaped organisms which contain two nuclei. They can sometimes be seen to move in a "falling leaf" pattern.  Cysts are around 12 microns long and, if not distorted, oval in shape. When looking for cysts, three samples collected at two to three day intervals should be examined as shedding is intermittent.

Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating ''[[Giardia]]'' antigen, trophozoites or cysts in the faeces. The simplest method is to examine fresh faecal smears for cysts (and occasional trophozoites), but sensitivity is improved by using concentration techniques. Centrifugal flotation in zinc sulphate solution or sugar flotation solution are both appropriate, but zinc sulphate solution is preferred as it causes minimal distortion to cysts. In this technique, faecal material is centrifuged and saturated with zinc sulphate mixture before the fluid from the top of the tube is placed on a microscope slide. Diff-Quik or Lugol's iodine are used to stain cysts and trophozoites, a coverslip is applied, and the slide is examined under the microscope. Although infrequently detected, ''[[Giardia]]'' trophozoites are approximately 8 x 15 micron tear-drop shaped organisms which contain two nuclei. They can sometimes be seen to move in a "falling leaf" pattern.  Cysts are around 12 microns long and, if not distorted, oval in shape. When looking for cysts, three samples collected at two to three day intervals should be examined as shedding is intermittent.

Commercial ELISA tests are now available for the detection of ''[[Giardia]]'' antigen in faeces. These include the Snap ''[[Giardia]]'' test from IDEXX and the ProSpectT/Giardia ELISA from Alexon-Trend.

Commercial [[ELISA testing|ELISA tests]] are now available for the detection of ''[[Giardia]]'' antigen in faeces. These include the Snap ''[[Giardia]]'' test from IDEXX and the ProSpectT/Giardia ELISA from Alexon-Trend.

===Endoscopy===

===Endoscopy===

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

It is particularly important to treat giardiasis in animals owing to its zoonotic potential. In the UK, fenbendazole is licensed for use against ''[[Giardia]]'' at a dose rate of 50 mg/kg daily for three days. Metronidazole may also be used at 20mg/kg for five days in dogs, and at 25mg/kg for seven days in cats. However, metronidazole is only 67% effective in dogs and has a bitter taste. A combination of febantel, praziquantel and febantel (Drontal Plus) can be used in dogs. Following treatment, it is advisable to repeat faecal examinations to confirm the efficacy of treatment and to detect re-infection. As well as drug therapy, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the environment and the animal's belongings is essential. Shedding of cysts can be difficult to detect and so in contact animals may be treated concurrently.

It is particularly important to treat giardiasis in animals owing to its zoonotic potential. In the UK, '''fenbendazole''' is licensed for use against ''[[Giardia]]''. '''Metronidazole''' may also be used in dogs and cats but it is important to confirm the respective doses. However, metronidazole is only 67% effective in dogs and has a bitter taste. A combination of febantel, praziquantel and febantel (Drontal Plus) can be used in dogs. Following treatment, it is advisable to repeat faecal examinations to confirm the efficacy of treatment and to detect re-infection. As well as drug therapy, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the environment and the animal's belongings is essential. Shedding of cysts can be difficult to detect and so in contact animals may be treated concurrently.

A vaccine comprising killed trophozoites has been developed and is available in the USA for use in dogs and cats. The vaccine decreases the excretion and viability of ''[[Giardia]]'' cysts, thus reducing the environmental burden.

A vaccine comprising killed trophozoites has been developed and is available in the USA for use in dogs and cats. The vaccine decreases the excretion and viability of ''[[Giardia]]'' cysts, thus reducing the environmental burden.

Treatment is usually effective and the prognosis for treated giardiasis in dogs and cats is good. However, chronic infection may lead to debilitation.

Treatment is usually effective and the prognosis for treated giardiasis in dogs and cats is good. However, chronic infection may lead to debilitation.

[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]

|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28%28title%3A%28Giardiasis%29+OR+title%3A%28Giardiosis+%29+OR+title%3A%28Giardosis+%29+OR+title%3A%28%22Giardia+Infection+%22%29%29%29+OR+%28%28title%3A%28%22Lambliasis+%22%29+OR+title%3A%28lambliosis%29%29%29 Giardiasis publications]

 

|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103310400.pdf '''Giardia and giardiasis.''' Ivanov, A. I.; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2010, 13, 2, pp 65-80, many ref.]

 

[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28%28title%3A%28Giardiasis%29+OR+title%3A%28Giardiosis+%29+OR+title%3A%28Giardosis+%29+OR+title%3A%28%22Giardia+Infection+%22%29%29%29+OR+%28%28title%3A%28%22Lambliasis+%22%29+OR+title%3A%28lambliosis%29%29%29 Giardiasis publications]

 

[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103310400.pdf '''Giardia and giardiasis.''' Ivanov, A. I.; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2010, 13, 2, pp 65-80, many ref. - '''Full Text Article''']

==Links==

==Links==

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Dog]]

[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Dog]]

[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Cat]]

[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Cat]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]