Five patients with Giardia Iamblia infestation are presented, all of whom showed evidence of malabsorption. Marked mucosal damage, found in two cases, was reversible within four weeks of commencement of mepacrine therapy. One patient, who failed to respond to this therapy, was treated successfully with a course of metronidazole. The pathogenesis of malabsorption in Giardia Iamblia infestation is discussed. It is suggested that the malabsorption results from mucosal damage consequent on a " toxic effect " exerted by the organism.Giardia Iamblia infestation is common in Australia. A careful search for the parasite is recommended in patients who have experienced abdominal pain and diarrhrna, particularly where there is evidence of malabsorption.
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