[Clinical pathology and diagnostic aspects of giardiasis]

From the presented review of data on clinical pathology of giardiasis the authors conclude that type and variability of pattern and course of the disease are shaped by several factors. On one hand they are influenced by genetically distinct character of a given Giardia isolate, its pathogenicity, ability to colonize small intestine and releasing of secretory-excretory products; on the other hand the clinical variability reflects immune response of the host, development and intensity of pathomorphology in the intestine mucosa, secondary secretory disturbances in gastric mucosa and coexistence of pathogenic bacterial flora in small intestine. Application of not only the serological tests (ELISA, IF) to detect antibodies against Giardia but also use of tests detecting Giardia GSA65 co-proantigen and of analysis of parasite DNA represent significant progress in diagnosing Giardia invasion. The modern tests do not negate the need of performing morphological Giardia analysis which continues to represent a basic test in giardiasis.