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Giardia in older people
M A Cusack1, M S O'Mahony, K Woodhouse
1University Department of Geriatric Medicine, Third Floor, Academic Centre, Llandough Hospital, Penlan Road, Penarth CF64 2XX, South Glamorgan, UK.
Age and Ageing
|November 16, 2001
Summary
Giardiasis can affect elderly women without recent travel or diarrhea. Consider infections in older patients presenting with anemia and weight loss.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Giardiasis is a common parasitic infection, typically associated with gastrointestinal distress and recent travel.
- Diagnosis in elderly populations can be challenging due to atypical presentations.
Observation:
- Two elderly women presented with anemia and weight loss, without typical symptoms of giardiasis or recent travel history.
- One patient underwent extensive gastrointestinal cancer work-up before a giardiasis diagnosis.
Findings:
- Giardiasis was diagnosed in both elderly patients despite the absence of diarrhea and recent international travel.
- The diagnostic process for the first patient was prolonged due to initial suspicion of malignancy.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider infectious etiologies, such as giardiasis, in elderly patients with unexplained anemia and weight loss.
- Atypical presentations of giardiasis in the elderly necessitate a broader differential diagnosis beyond common gastrointestinal pathogens.