Clinical Profile of Giardiasis in Under Fives

Two groups of children with diarrhea (180), and without diarrhoea (120), were included in the study in order to compare prevalence and age frequency distributions of Giardia between the two group, as well as to find out if there are specific clinical criteria associated with Giardia Lamblia infection. Vegetative form of Giardia was found in 21.7% of diarrhoea cases whereas cyst form was found in 24.2% of diarrhoea cases. Giardiasis was most frequent in the age group corresponding to 19-24 months old. Children at the first 6 months of life did not present positive faecal samples. Statistical analysis indicated no association between sex and prevalence of Giardiasis. It was found that abdominal distension, abdominal cramps, anorexia, offensive stools with more than five motions of watery pale stools are the commonest manifestations in Giardia-associated diarrhea. It is recommended to study the age-specific sero prevalence of Giardias is to better understand the link between Giardia infection and age.