Giardiasis

Giardiasis is caused by giardia lamblia which is a waterbourne protozoan parasite. It is the most common human protozoan enteropathogen worldwide.

Symptoms of giardia infection range from none, to a mild self-limiting gastroenteritis to chronic diarrhoea with fatigue, weight loss, cramps, greasy stools and malabsorption.

Incubation period 7 to 15 days.

Risk factors:

• foreign travel
• fresh water swimming
• green salad

In addition to transmission via contaminated water person-to-person transmission has been noted, for example in the daycare environment.

Diagnosis:

Stool samples

Treatment:

Metronidazole

References:

Espelage, W. et al. Characteristics and risk factors for symptomatic Giardia lamblia infections in Germany. BMC Public Health. 2010; 28(10): 41.

Shandera, W. From Leningrad to the day-care center. The ubiquitous Giardia lamblia. West J Med. 1990; 153(2): 154-159.

Stuart, J. et al. Risk factors for sporadic giardiasis: a case-control study in southwestern England. Emerging infectious diseases. 2003; 9(2):229-233.