Giardiasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Giardiasis Definition

Giardia is an infection of the small intestine caused by a protozoa. It is usually asymptomatic in humans but may produce abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. The species that infects humans and causes diarrhea is Giardia lamblia. The genus Giardia that may be parasitic in the intestines of vertebrates including most domestic animals.

In the United States, giardiasis is most common in travelers who have recently returned from endemic areas and in campers who drink unpurified water from contaminated streams. Giardiasis is also known as Giardia, Traveler's diarrhea - giardiasis.

Giardiasis Causes

Giardiasis mat also be spread by direct person-to-person contact, which has caused outbreaks in institutions such as day-care centers. Giardiasis may be spread, most commonly by eating food contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected person or by drinking groundwater polluted by the feces of infected animals such as dogs and beavers (hence the nickname "beaver fever"). The cells have a large disc or sucker on their anterior ventral surfaces , by which they attach to the intestinal mucosa. The attachment of the disc is very strong and can prevent peristaltic clearing.

Giardia outbreaks can occur in communities in both developed and developing countries where water supplies become contaminated with raw sewage. It can be contracted by drinking water from lakes or streams. Campers and hikers are at risk if they drink untreated water from streams and lakes. Other risk factors include unprotected anal sex, exposure to a family member with giardiasis.

Giardiasis Symptoms

Giardiasis can show itself in different ways. Some people can be carriers of the parasite and have no symptoms of the disease. A mild infection may not produce intestinal symptoms. In untreated giardiasis, symptoms wax and wane, with treatment, recovery is complete.

The symptoms of the giardiasis may be inclided:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• rash
• vomiting
• headache
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• abdominal fullness
• abdominal cramps
• abdomen swollen
• loss of appetite
• low grade fever

Giardiasis Treatments

Anti-infective agents such as metronidazole (Flagyl; Protostat) or quinacrine may be used for the treatment of giardiasis.

The drugs tinidazole, and nitazoxanide are sometimes prescribed.

In pregnant women, treatment should wait until after delivery, because some of the drugs used to treat the infection may be harmful to the fetus. 

Drink fluids such as sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, flat soda, broth, soups, or preparations such as Pedialyte for children. Fluids should be taken in small amounts frequently throughout the day.