Giardia

Alternative names

Giardiasis; Traveler's diarrhea - giardiasis

Definition

Giardia is an infection of the small intestine caused by a protozoa, Giardia lamblia.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 where water-dwelling animals such as beavers and muskrats, or where domestic animals such as sheep, have caused contamination. It is also spread by direct person-to-person contact, which has caused outbreaks in day-care centers.

Travelers are at risk for giardiasis throughout the world. 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, and institutional (day-care or nursing home) exposure. There has been an increase in cases in the last few years.

Symptoms

• diarrhea
  
• abdominal pain
  
• abdominal fullness; a gaseous or bloated sensation
  
• abdomen swollen or distended
  
• nausea
  
• loss of appetite
  
• vomiting
  
• headache
  
• low grade fever
  

Note: The acute phase lasts 7 to 14 days.

Signs and tests

• Stool ova and parasites showing Giardia
  
• A positive Giardia EIA antibody test
  
• A small bowel biopsy showing Giardia
  
• A string test showing Giardia (rarely performed)
  

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Smear of duodenal aspirated fluid
  
• Small bowel tissue biopsy smear
  
• D-xylose absorption
  

Treatment

Some infections resolve on their own. Anti-infective agents such as metronidazole or quinacrine may be used. Furazolidone is generally used to treat children. Cure rates are generally greater than 80%. Drug resistance may be a factor in treatment failures, sometimes requiring a change in antibiotic therapy.