[Giardiasis]

Giardia Lamblia is considered as the most important cause of parasitic diarrhoea in children and adults. The epidemiology of the infection is determined by environmental and regional factors. The sensitivity of man for this infection depends on factors related to man himself and his environment. Structural changes of the gut such as cellular infiltration and villous atrophy, and functional derangements like malabsorption can explain part of the symptoms. The application of different procedures for the parasitological diagnosis with a variable degree of sensitivity is the cause of difference in recorded prevalence data. This infectious disease can be treated with a number of drugs; single dose treatment is to be preferred especially in childhood. Results of treatment i.a. with a single dose ornidazole are reported.