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Giardiasis (Giardia spp.)
Infectious DiseaseParasiteAll SpeciesNew
Key Points
  • Giardiasis is a common protozoal gastrointestinal infection caused by Giardia spp., affecting a wide range of species worldwide
  • The most significant species in veterinary medicine is G. duodenalis
    • G. duodenalis comprises multiple different assemblages (at least A-H) which each have different host ranges and zoonotic risks
  • Many infections are asymptomatic, but clinical disease can cause acute, chronic or intermittent diarrhoea, steatorrhoea and poor growth rates
  • Faecal antigen ELISAs are the most common diagnostic tool in practice
  • Treatment aims to control clinical disease & reduce environmental contamination
  • Environmental hygiene & good management practices are essential for prevention
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Feline trichomonosis (T. blagburni)
  2. Coccidiosis
  3. Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE)
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →