Microbiology Interview Question:

A 22-year old college student is seen because he has had severe chronic diarrhea and a stool for O&P is positive for Giardia lamblia. He has lost 50 pounds in weight and has been treated for Giardia on 6 occasions only to have it reoccur. You are concerned that he has an immunodeficiency and lab results demonstrate a very low IgA level. Which of the following statements would be false regarding Giardia?

Submitted by: Administrator

* A. It is one of the causes of H2S or rotten egg gas
* B. It is often a self-limiting disease
* C. A weight loss of 50 pounds due to Giardia is very unusual
* D. You are not surprised when 5 of 11 dorm mates are found to have Giardia because it is spread from person to person easily
* E. It often results in iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss

Correct Answer: E
Submitted by: Administrator