[pct-l] More: Giardia on the trail

 From the FDA site
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/chap22.html
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Giardiasis is more prevalent in children than in adults, possibly because 
many individuals seem to have a lasting immunity after infection. This 
organism is implicated in 25% of the cases of gastrointestinal disease and 
may be present asymptomatically. The overall incidence of infection in the 
United States is estimated at 2% of the population. This disease afflicts 
many homosexual men, both HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. This 
is presumed to be due to sexual transmission. The disease is also common in 
child day care centers, especially those in which diapering is done.

Complications: About 40% of those who are diagnosed with giardiasis 
demonstrate disaccharide intolerance during detectable infection and up to 
6 months after the infection can no longer be detected. Lactose (i.e., milk 
sugar) intolerance is most frequently observed. Some individuals (less than 
4%) remain symptomatic more than 2 weeks; chronic infections lead to a 
malabsorption syndrome and severe weight loss. Chronic cases of giardiasis 
in immunodeficient and normal individuals are frequently refractile to drug 
treatment. Flagyl is normally quite effective in terminating infections. In 
some immune deficient individuals, giardiasis may contribute to a 
shortening of the life span. 

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