Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the single-celled microorganism Giardia.

The source of infection and its reservoir is only the patient. From the body, the pathogen enters the environment with feces, and human infection occurs through consumption of contaminated water and food. Giardia penetrates the intestines, and from there into the gallbladder and bile ducts, causing mechanical damage to the mucosa.

Giardiasis develops gradually: 1-3 weeks after infection, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain appear, and fever is uncharacteristic. The stool is broken; diarrhea occurs with the remains of undigested food, which lasts no more than a week; the presence of blood in the stool is uncharacteristic for giardiasis.

Damage to the bile ducts by Giardia promotes the development of gallbladder dyskinesia and provokes exacerbation of cholecystitis and cholangitis. Long-term giardiasis causes severe damage to liver tissue, including cirrhosis.

The diagnosis of giardiasis is confirmed when pathogens are detected in the feces. Giardia infestation, occurring in the form of intestinal dysfunction or as asymptomatic parasite carriage.

The causative agent of giardiasis is lamblia. It belongs to the protozoa and exists in the form of vegetative and cystic stages of development. Giardia at the vegetative stage is pear-shaped, 8-18 µm long, 5-7 µm wide, 4 pairs of flagella and a suction disc. In the external environment it quickly dies. Cysts persist for up to 3 months.

The incubation period for giardiasis is 5-25 days. Most people infected have no symptoms. Some people experience discomfort in the epigastrium, nausea, decreased appetite, and bloating. There may be watery stools and slight weight loss.

The acute stage lasts 5-7 days. Chronic forms are more often observed in children in the form of periodic exacerbations. The diagnosis is confirmed by detection of the pathogen in the stool.

Metronidazole and tinidazole are used for treatment. Relapses are possible, so long-term monitoring is necessary. The prognosis is favorable.

Control of nutrition and water supply is important for prevention. Boiling water is recommended. Carriers are also examined and treated.

Like many other diseases, giardiasis can cause serious consequences for human health. This is an infection that is transmitted through water or food contaminated with parasites. Giardia is a small single-celled organism that can cause a variety of symptoms in humans, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and anemia.

The diagnosis of giardiasis is usually made based on symptoms and test results. The most common diagnostic method is stool analysis for the presence of parasites. Other methods such as blood tests or duodenal intubation may also be used.

Treatment for giardiasis may include taking medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole. However, before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor. In addition, to prevent re-infection, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid drinking dirty water and food.