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What is giardiasis? |
Giardiasis is an illness caused by Giardia lamblia, a one-celled, microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of people and animals. The parasite is passed in the bowel movement of an infected person or animal. During the past 15 years,
Giardia lamblia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in
humans. Giardiasis occurs worldwide.
Transmission occurs after ingestion of fecally contaminated water or food,from exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces, and from person to person by
the fecal-oral route.
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What are the symptoms of giardiasis? |
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, flatulence,anorexia, or nausea, in various combinations, and usually lasting more than 5 days. Fever and vomiting are uncommon.
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How long after being infected do symptoms appear? |
Symptoms usually appear 1-2 weeks after infection with the parasite.
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How long will I have symptoms? |
In otherwise healthy persons, symptoms may last 4-6 weeks. Occasionally, symptoms last longer.
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How can I get giardiasis? |
Is usually acquired by drinking contaminated water. A person can swallow a Giardia cyst, the infectious stage of the parasite, by swallowing water from unsafe tap water,swimming pools, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals.
By eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia.
By accidently swallowing the parasite picked up from surfaces (i.e., toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) contaminated with stool from an infected person. Hands become contaminated by not following good handwashing practices, particularly after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
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Who is at risk? |
Persons at increased risk for giardiasis include international travelers to foreign cities with inadequate water filtration; hikers; campers; and others who drink untreated water from contaminated sources.Also are child care workers and diaper-aged children who attend day care centers.
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What should I do if I think I have giardiasis? |
See your health care provider.
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How is a Giardia infection diagnosed? |
Your health care provider will likely ask you to submit stool samples to see if you have the parasite.
Diagnosing this illness in the past was often difficult since the parasite was not always easily detectable in the stool. It was often necessary for a gastrointestinal specialist to perform an aspiration or biopsy of the stomach or small bowel to confirm the diagnosis. Newer immunological tests are now available to detect giardia antigens in the stool and have made it much easier to confirm the illness
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What is the treatment for giardiasis? |
Several prescription drugs are available to treat Giardia. Treatment with the medication Flagyl (metronidazole) taken for ten days is usually very successful in curing the infection. In some instances it may not be necessary to make a definite diagnosis. Instead, the patient may be given a trial of medication to eliminate a possible infection.
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How can I prevent giardiasis? |
Avoid drinking water or eating food that may be contaminated.
Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food.
Avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams unless it has been filtered and chemically treated.
When traveling in countries where the water supply may be unsafe, avoid drinking unsafe tap water and avoid uncooked foods washed with unsafe tap water. .
If you work in a child care center where you change diapers, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after every diaper change, even if you wear gloves.
If you or your child has Giardia, avoid swimming in pools for 2 weeks after the diarrhea or loose stools have cleared. Giardia cysts are fairly chlorine resistant and are passed in the stools of infected people for several weeks after they no longer have symptoms.
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I am going to travel to a country that has poor sanitary conditions. What should I eat and drink there so I will not become infected with Giardia or other such germs? |
Travelers to developing countries are advised to follow the precautions included under "Risks From Food and Drink For travelers to developing countries".Risk of infection is highest for those who live in or visit rural areas, trek in backcountry areas, or eat or drink in settings of poor sanitation.
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Should I be concerned about spreading infection to the rest of my household? |
Yes. However, the risk of spreading infection is low if the infected person is treated with the medication and practices good personal hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have another one, consult a health care provider.
