Methods for Giardia Culture, Cryopreservation, Encystation, and Excystation In Vitro

The main objective of this chapter is to present the most widely accepted methods for routine culturing, encysting, and excysting Giardia lamblia in vitro. In addition, we include basic methods to cryopreserve and recover Giardia trophozoites. Encystation and excystation methods described were originally optimized for strain WB clone C6 (ATCC 50803; the first genome strain), and can serve as a foundation for other strains or species of Giardia. Throughout the chapter, we highlight important factors and procedural details that should assist one to improve or maintain high efficiencies of Giardia growth and differentiation. We also include “recipe” cards for all media and solutions used for protocols detailed in the chapter for ease of use in laboratory settings. Although we have attempted to summarize the literature, we only have direct experience with the strain and procedures used in our laboratory and cannot critically evaluate others’ methods.