GIARDIA ANTIGEN

Giardiasis is a parasitic infection of the upper small intestine.

There may be no symptoms or it can cause acute or chronic diarrhoea with abdominal discomfort, distension and flatulence.

It is considered to be the commonest parasite in Europe and the USA and particularly among children. It is well recognised as a problem in campers and travellers abroad, male homosexuals and those with immunity problems.

Testing for Giardia can be carried out on blood but, if positive, there is no way of knowing if it is a current or past infection. Antibodies can be present for up to two years after treatment. We therefore recommend the above test on faeces.