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Giardia lamblia is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease Giardiasis.

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan flagellate.

The pathogen is both somewhat tolerant to choline disinfectant and can survive outside of the body for extended periods of time because of its protective shell called a cyst.

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Giardiasis is an infection in the small intestine that spreads through contact with infected people.

This disease can be found all around the world, but is most common in overcrowded developing countries that lack sanitary conditions and water quality control.

Giardiasis rarely cause death, but each year 4,600 people (mostly children under age 5) with giardiasis are estimated to be hospitalized in the United States.

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G. lamblia are found in animal and human feces and also thrive in contaminated food, water, and soil. Some examples of water that can be contaminated are swimming pools, spas, and bodies of water, such as lakes. Sources of contamination include animal feces, diapers, and agricultural runoff. The most common way to contract Giardiasis is by drinking contaminated water. Consuming this parasite usually causes infection.

Giardia can be consumed in food when poor hygiene is practiced while handling food or when food is exposed to contaminated water. Contracting giardiasis from food is not as common because heat kills parasites.

Giardiasis also spreads through personal contact, such as having unprotected anal sex.

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Abdominal pain and headaches are common symptoms.

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Who is at risk of acquiring Giardiasis? 

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Who is at risk of acquiring Giardiasis? 

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Anyone can get giardiasis, but it tends to occur more often in people in institutional settings, children in childcare centers, foreign travelers, and individuals who drink improperly treated surface water.

Children are at high risk for giardiasis because they’re likely to encounter feces when wearing diapers or potty training.

Men who have sex with men may also be at increased risk of getting giardiasis.

Pet dogs and cats also frequently contract giardia.

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Some people with giardiasis have no symptoms at all. Symptoms may vary and usually begin 1 to 2 weeks after becoming infected with Giardia.

Short-term symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Gas
Foul-smelling, greasy stools (poop) that tend to float
Stomach cramps or pain
Upset stomach or nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Dehydration (loss of fluids)

Symptoms of giardiasis generally begin by having 2 to 5 loose stools per day, with progressively increasing fatigue. Less common symptoms include fever, itchy skin, hives, and swelling of the eyes and joints. Over time, giardiasis can also cause weight loss and keep the body from absorbing nutrients it needs, like fat, lactose, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

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People with giardiasis will usually feel better and no longer have symptoms within 2 to 6 weeks. However, in some cases, symptoms may seem to be gone but will return after several days or weeks.

Occasionally, people with giardiasis will have long-term complications such as reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and recurring diarrhea that can last for years. Among children in particular, severe giardiasis may delay physical and mental growth, slow development, and cause malnutrition. The infection can also cause lactose intolerance in some people.

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You can lower your risk of contracting Giardiasis by:

1) Practicing good hand hygiene
Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after working outside or in a daycare setting and even if you wore gloves.

2) Avoiding consumption of contaminated water
While at the pool, lake, or other bodies of water, do not swallow the water unless you disinfect and filter it. While traveling, do not drink or brush your teeth with tap water.

3) Minimize contact with animal feces
After being near an animal, do not touch your face or mouth, and wash your hands right after. Be cautious around young animals especially.

4) Practice safer sex
Use a condom to reduce the chance of contracting giardiasis. Wash your hands, genitals, and anus with soap and water before and after sexual activity.

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Most of the time, Giardiasis goes away on its own, but doctors may prescribe medication if the infection is severe or prolonged.

The antibiotics commonly used to treat Giardiasis are:

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that needs to be taken for five to seven days. It can cause nausea and leave a metallic taste in your mouth.
Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole, and often treats giardiasis in a single dose.
Nitazoxanide is a popular option for children because it’s available in liquid form and only needs to be taken for three days.
Paromomycin has a lower chance of causing birth defects than other antibiotics, although pregnant women should wait until after delivery before taking any medication for giardiasis. This medication is given in three doses over the course of 5 to 10 days.

If you have diarrhea, drink a lot of fluids while sick to avoid dehydration.