Giardia intestinalis

Giardia intestinalis is a cyst-forming, single-celled parasite of the genus Giardia (Lamblia).

Giardia intestinalis causes an infectious diarrheal disease (giardiasis) which can lead to the following disease patterns:

• Gastroenteritis

• Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Giardiasis intestinalis occurs in various animal species (beavers, voles, cattle, dogs, cats) as well as in humans.

Relevance of pathogen in transmission in endoscopy

• Gastroenterology: High

• Pulmonology: Not relevant

• Ear, nose, and throat: Not relevant

• Urology: Not relevant

Relevance for endoscope surveillance

• Low or moderate concern organism

Transmission route

Giardia intestinalis is usually transmitted fecal-orally via contaminated food or contaminated drinking water. Cysts (resistant permanent forms) of the pathogen can remain infectious in (drinking) water for up to three months.

Resistance to antibiotics

A possible decreased susceptibility to nitroimidazoles is described.