Giardiasis Essay

1102 Words3 Pages

Giardiasis is an intestinal disease that has affected humans and mammals since the beginning of human development and creation. Those who become infected with the parasite Giardia lamblia most likely live in developing countries; however, children and adults living in the United States are also found to be affected by giardiasis. In 1681, scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek discovered the parasite while examining his own waste. Although this was an unusual way to uncover new material, many scientists used his findings for further research of giardiasis. With years of investigation and testing, scientists concluded that there were five different species of Giardia. Because the disease is contagious, giardiasis has been spread to most the areas …show more content…

Giardiasis is a disease that is spread quickly and can be found in most places around the world: “Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection spread by eating contaminated water, or through direct contact with the organism that causes the disease, Giardia lamblia” (Turkington 1). The disease Giardiasis is caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia. Living in the intestines in humans, overtime the parasite multiplies and continues to grow (“Giardiasis” 333). Because Giardia is mainly found on surfaces that have come in contact with human waste, the parasite lives in places such as soil and food. By the disease being easily catchable, the parasite is transmitted to another person by the contact between the two people (Vyas 1). Although the disease is most likely caught by coming in contact with someone who is exposed to giardiasis, there are other ways for one can become infected. Since the parasite can live in water, drinking water from lakes where animals have left their waste is another cause of the infection (Vyas 1). The act of eating contaminated or raw food can also lead to illness. The parasite living in the spoiled food is the reason for the sickness after consumption (Vyas 1). As stated before, direct association spreads the disease more: “It is the most frequent parasite acquired by children in daycare centers and preschools (Estrada 972). Having knowledge of the causes of giardiasis is an …show more content…

The main treatment for giardiasis is an antiparasitic medicine such as tinidazole. However, there are other alternative medicines that can be used in place in tinidazole (Estrada 972). Although these may need several doses, metronidazole and nitazoxanide both serve as further treatments of giardiasis. For children, the medicine furazolidone is used because it is available in liquid form (Estrada 972). Although the body is able to ride itself if the disease, proper treatment is still needed. To avoid the disease, one must maintain sanitary functions (“Giardiasis” 335). By the small act of washing hands, giardiasis can be easily avoided: “Giardiasis can be prevented by strict handwashing, especially in those individuals who are in close contact with patients with diarrhea or children in diapers at daycare centers” (Estrada 972). Purified drinking water is the best to drink because water that has not been filtered could have been contaminated with giardiasis. If untreated drinking water is consumed, treatment will be required to treat and prevent the disease from spreading (“Giardiasis” 334). Disposing spoiled and rotten food will decrease the chance of becoming infected. If the material that is moldy is properly discarded, then people will less likely catch giardiasis (Turkington 4). Studies have shown that breastfeeding children can reduce their chance of becoming infected with giardiasis

More about Giardiasis Essay

Open Document