Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found
on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals
.
Where is Giardia most commonly found?
Giardia parasites are found in
lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide
, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas. Ground and surface water can become infected with giardia from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal feces.
Where is Giardia found geographically?
Giardia has a worldwide distribution, occurring in
both temperate and tropical regions
. It continues to be the most frequently identified human protozoal enteropathogen.
Is Giardia found everywhere?
Giardia parasites live around the world, in most countries and continents. It tends to be a bigger problem in countries with poor sanitation, such as developing countries. But you can get it
almost anywhere
.
What food contains Giardia?
It’s usually found in water or food that’s been contaminated with feces containing the parasite. An infection with Giardia is known as giardiasis. When it comes to food, you get giardiasis most commonly by eating
undercooked pork, lamb, or wild game
. Symptoms of infection include cramps, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
What does Giardia poop look like?
The stool may range from
soft to watery, often has a greenish tinge to it
, and occasionally contains blood. Infected dogs tend to have excess mucus in the feces. Vomiting may occur in some cases. The signs may persist for several weeks and gradual weight loss may become apparent.
What is the only way to get rid of Giardia?
When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardia infection with medications such as:
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
. Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.
How do humans get Giardia?
You can get giardiasis
if you swallow Giardia germs
. Giardia spreads easily and can spread from person to person or through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects. The most common way people get sick is by swallowing contaminated drinking water or recreational water (for example, lakes, rivers, or pools).
What is the best medicine for Giardia?
Medication Options
Several drugs can be used to treat Giardia infection. Effective treatments include
metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide
. Other medications include paromomycin, quinacrine, and furazolidone. Some of these drugs may not be readily available in the United States.
Is Giardia in tap water?
Reported Giardia levels have ranged from 10,000 to 100,000 cysts/L in untreated sewage, 10 to 100 cysts/L in treated sewage, and
10 or few cysts/L
in surface water sources and tap water. Cysts have also been detected in cisterns and in wells contaminated by surface water or sewage.
Can you have Giardia for years?
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.
Does Giardia stay in your system forever?
Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestines and is passed in stool (poop).
Once outside the body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or even months
.
What happens if Giardia is left untreated?
If left untreated, Giardia will eventually lead to more acute symptoms, including
bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration
. If you or your child experience a bout of diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, contact your doctor immediately.
What can I drink for Giardia?
To help prevent
giardia
Do not
drink
untreated or unpurified water. If you are camping or hiking, boil or purify water from lakes and streams before you
drink
it. When you travel in high-risk areas,
drink
bottled water and avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Do not
drink beverages
containing ice cubes.
What foods should I avoid with Giardia?
Eat slowly and avoid foods that are hard to digest or may irritate your stomach, such as foods with acid (like tomatoes or oranges),
spicy or fatty food, meats
, and raw vegetables. You may be able to go back to your normal diet in a few days.
What is the incubation period for Giardia?
Acute giardiasis develops after an incubation period of
1 to 14 days
(average of 7 days) and usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. In chronic giardiasis the symptoms are recurrent and malabsorption and debilitation may occur.
