What is the most common cause of Giardia?

You get giardia from: drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. being in contact with infected animals that are carrying the parasite. being in close contact with someone who has giardia – eg, people living in the same house or if you’re looking after someone who has giardia.

What is the most common source for Giardia lamblia infections?

The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing unsafe (contaminated) water. 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.

How does Giardia lamblia enter the body?

Infection occurs when a person swallows Giardia cysts from contaminated water, food, hands, surfaces, or objects. When Giardia cysts are swallowed, they pass through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the small intestine where each cyst releases two trophozoites through a process called excystation.

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.

Where is Giardia most common?

Giardia is the most common gut parasite in the United Kingdom, and infection rates are especially high in Eastern Europe. Prevalence rates of 0.94-4.66% and 2.41-10.99% have been reported in Italy. A 2005 study demonstrated a Giardia infection rate of 19.6 per 100,000 population per year in Canada.

Who is the most common victim of Giardia?

Children are at much higher risk for Giardia infection than adults and have higher infection rates. Giardia infection rates tend to rise in late summer in the United States. Travelers to areas with poor sanitation are more likely to get infected with Giardia.

How can you prevent giardiasis?

The best way to prevent giardia infection is to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing. You should not drink water that may be contaminated. You should also peel or wash fresh fruit and vegetables before eating.

Where is Giardia most commonly found?

What is the best medicine for Giardia?

Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Who is most at risk for giardiasis?

Where is Giardia lamblia found in the body?

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. Giardia can be found in every region of the United States and around the world.

How do you treat lamblia?

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.

What is the best way to prevent Giardia lamblia?

How can Giardia lamblia be prevented?

Do not eat fruits and vegetables washed in water that might be contaminated. Avoid eating uncooked foods when traveling in countries where the food supply might be unsafe. Do not use or drink inadequately treated water or use ice when traveling in countries where the water might be unsafe.

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.