Giardiasis Facts
Giardiasis is caused due to the infection of the intestines. It is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. The patient’s intestine gets inflamed due to the infection. It is a gastro-enteritis disease. The parasite is quite harmful though the medical world took a lot of time in recognizing the actual power of the parasite.
The parasite was identified by Anton von Leeuwenhoek in the year 1681. He is also referred as the 'father of microbiology'. Previously it was thought that the parasite does not cause any harm to the human intestine. It was only sometime in 1970 that the true status of the giardia parasite was discovered.
Cause of Giardiasis
This particular parasite is responsible for causing illness of the intestine. Giardia is an organism which has only one single cell known as protozoon. This parasite is mainly responsible for causing diarrhea in the children. The disease is quite common in developing as well as East Europe countries.
It is also common in the United States . It spreads through the faeces. Animals or people carrying the parasite pass it out through their stool which then gets contaminated with soil or water. It mainly occurs due to poor or unhygienic condition. The parasite has a tough shell which makes it possible to survive well outside the host’s body.
A few cysts of giardia are necessary for the development of the infection. There are various ways through which a person can get infected with giardia. It passes through the contaminated water. The water can be cleansed with adequate amount of chlorine. Though there are reports of people getting infected even after drinking treated water.
Swallowing water while swimming in pools or ponds also leads to the development of the disease. Another source of the spreading of giardia is the eating of contaminated food. Eating raw vegetables can also lead to the spread of the disease. If one comes into contact with the things that have been contaminated through an infected person also leads to the spreading of giardia.
giardiasis Symptoms
It is very difficult to stop the spreading of giardia as many people who carry this parasite do not show any symptoms. They in turn become an agent who spread the disease as well as contaminate the environment. If there are no symptoms the carrier of the germ is not at all aware of the presence of the parasite. People carrying the parasite may become prone to various gastrointestinal problems.
The disease is often accompanied with cramps in the stomach, indigestion and diarrhea. The symptoms can be present for many weeks and if left without treatment can result in weight loss and dehydration. If left untreated then the disease might prove to be very fatal.
Children especially of the developing countries fall prey to this disease and if malnourished the case might prove fatal. Stools are checked to diagnose the presence of Giardiasis. The stool of the patient suffering from giardia has the presence of the parasite.
It is difficult to find the presence of the parasite hence various samples are taken for analysis. Sometimes recovery is possible without any specific treatment. In many cases however people suffer for months owing to the presence of the parasites. If antibiotics are given then the risk of spreading the disease is somewhat lessened. Small children are more prone to giardia. It can also lead to dehydration so steps should be taken to treat dehydration.
People suffering from giardia should drink plenty of fluids. In case of severe condition hospitalization becomes necessary. Intravenous drip is also administered if the case is very serious.
Some suggest that people who carry the parasite but show no sign of the disease should also be treated as this will help to reduce the spreading of the disease. Though some argue that it is absolutely unnecessary as, they do not possess any threat. People suffering from giardia should avoid using public pools as it will only help in spreading the disease.
