Giardia intestinalis
Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a one-celled, microscopic
parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia). Once an
animal or person has been infected with Giardia intestinalis, the parasite
lives in the intestine and is passed in the stool. Because the parasite
is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in
the environment for long periods of time.
During the past 2 decades, Giardia infection has become recognized as
one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (found in both drinking
and recreational water) in humans in the United States. Giardia is found
worldwide and within every region of the United States.
The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals.
Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated
with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected
after accidentally swallowing the parasite; you cannot become infected
through contact with blood.
You can get it by putting something into your mouth or swallowing something
that has come into contact with Giardia, swallowing recreational water
contaminated with Giardia, and also by eating uncooked food contaminated
with Giardia. Giardia infection can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms,
which include diarrhea, gas or flatulence, abdominal cramps and nausea.
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