Giardiasis is a very common intestinal disease

Giardiasis is a very common intestinal disease. It is an intestinal disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Giardia lamblia. This parasite is found worldwide. In humans, it is caused by drinking contaminated water.

The Giardia parasite thrives in contaminated water from feces of infected humans and animals, in contaminated lakes, streams, ponds, wells, rivers, swimming pools, spas, and water parks. The body becomes dehydrated for two to six weeks.

With contaminated water, it reaches our small intestine, and the cyst undergoes excitation in the duodenum to form trophozoites. Trophozoites live in the upper part of the small intestine. They are strongly associated with the intestinal epithelium and thus are rarely detected in feces. They form large populations feeding on mucous secretions.

Causes of Giardia

Giardiasis is a very common intestinal disease caused by protozoan parasites flagellated protozoan, called Giardia lamblia (G.intestinalis and G. duodenalis).

Transmission

Transmission is usually done by the supply of cyst-contaminated water. (Drinking water contaminated by infected human or animal faces) or both food.

The nature of the disease

Giardiasis can be acute or chronic.

Acute giardiasis is characterized by severe diarrhea (watery initially, and loose greasy stool), epigastric pain, cramps, gas and anoxia, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss.

Sign and symptoms of giardiasis

• Severe diarrhea
• Epigastric pain
• Convulsion
• Gas and anorexia
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Weight loss,
• Abdominal cramps.

Geographic distribution

It is a parasite found almost everywhere in the world. This parasite affects children more than adults worldwide.

Risk to travelers

For those who travel, and often drink natural source water.

Exposure to natural water used by wildlife is a significant risk for travelers. Simultaneously there is contaminated water or contaminated municipal supplies of swimming pools. Is one of the major risks

Giardia Prevention and treatment

Precautions

Giardiasis is diagnosed through stool sample analysis.

Medications are available for the treatment of this infection which includes antibiotics and other medicines. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids. And it is advisable to drink oral rehydration drinks.

• Avoid uncooked food 
• Raw fruits and vegetables 
• Avoid eating raw meat
• Avoid contaminated drink-water

Water can be purified by boiling for at least 5 minutes, filtering, distillation, chlorination.