Demonstration of Giardia in Duodenal Fluid by Scanning Electron Microscopy

To the Editor: Giardia lamblia (Lamblia intestinalis) is a minute intestinal parasite of worldwide distribution with a relatively high incidence rate, especially in children.¹,² The parasite may occur without apparent clinical symptoms; however, its presence is often associated with various gastrointestinal disorders.¹,² A 34-month-old boy with a history of recurrent infections, chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive was found to have hypogammaglobulinemia. Gastrointestinal evaluation revealed a normal d-xylose test, normal small-bowel histologic findings and normal disaccharide and pancreatic enzymes. Giardia organisms were not observed in numerous stool specimens, duodenal aspirate or duodenal aspirate after secretin stimulation. Scanning electron. No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.