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:
