Alexandra Pillarová1, Peter Bánovčin2, Zuzana Havlíčeková2
Giardia lamblia (synonyms: Giardia intestinalis, Giardia duodenalis, lamblia intestinalis), the intestinal parasite with a worldwide presence and is one of the most common causes diarrhea in humans, also known as giardiasis. Giardiasis in infants and children can be presented as asymptomatic infection, acute diarrhoea or chronic diarrhea. Giardia infection is often asymptomatic for children. Chronic giardiasis is less common, may persist for years, alternating with symptomatic and asymptomatic periods. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, pale, greasy and smelly stools, weight loss and vomiting. Giardiasis may result in malabsorption, growth impairment, or other complications for children, but rarely death.