Infection is transmitted by ingestion of food or water contaminated with cysts. Cysts are relatively resistant to chlorination especially in cold waters. It presents as diarrhea, gas, greasy stools that tend to float , abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and dehydration. It may lead to weight loss and failure to absorb fat, lactose, vitamin A and vitamin B12, itchy skin, hives, and swelling of the eye and joints. For diagnosis. Fecal immunoassays are preferred. Stool microscopy shows motile trophozoites with “falling leaf” motility. Cysts can be seen in stool specimens after concentration techniques. String test or enterotest can be used to diagnose trophozoites in bile. Antigen detection is done by ELISA and direct immunofluorescence. Antibody detection is done by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence.
G. duodenalis trophozoites in Kohn stain.
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