Giardiasis Giardiasis is an intestinal infection by Giardia parasites, a type of protist, found all across the globe, primarily in areas

with unclean water or poor sanitation. It is the leading cause of waterborne illness in the United States, and infection can occur through contaminated food or person-to-person contact, according to Mayo Clinic. Generally an infection will clear within six weeks, but intestinal problems may remain long after the infection. Symptoms include watery, foul-smelling diarrhea; abdominal cramping and bloating; nausea; weight loss; and fatigue. However, some individuals may never display symptoms while carrying the parasitic infection. Infected individuals often recover on their own without treatment, but medication is needed for more serious cases. Taking preventive actions can help prevent the disease. These include frequent hand washing and abstaining from drinking untreated or unpurified water, such as that in lakes and streams. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/193034-a-list-of-protist-diseases/#ixzz27UGLTtcH
Giardiasis, an illness that affects the digestive tract, is caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in humans, where it sabotages the body's absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods. Symptoms include:

abdominal cramps large amounts of intestinal gas an enlarged belly from the gas loss of appetite nausea and vomiting sometimes a low-grade fever (http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/giardiasis.html)

In developing countries, the disease is an important cause of morbidity, and water-borne and food-borne outbreaks are common. Because ingestion of as few as 10 Giardia cysts may be sufficient to cause infection, giardiasis is common in daycare center attendees and institutionalized patients in developed countries. G intestinalis is a particularly significant pathogen for people with malnutrition, immunodeficiencies, or cystic fibrosis. The traditional basis of diagnosis is identification of Giardia intestinalistrophozoites or cysts in the stool of infected patients via a stool ova and parasite (O&P) examination. Stool antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays also are available. Standard treatment for giardiasis consists of antibiotic therapy. Metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for this condition; however, tinidazole is now approved in the United States and is considered a first-line agent outside the United States.

Giardiasis Causes
Contaminated water supplies Contaminated food Person-to-person contact

Giardiasis Symptoms
o Acute diarrheal illness Diarrhea: Up to 90% of people with giardiasis complain of diarrhea. Stool is usually described as profuse and watery early in the disease. Later in the disease, stools become greasy, foul smelling, and often float. Blood, pus, and mucus are usually not present. Symptoms may last for 1 to several weeks. Weight loss, loss of appetite Bloating, abdominal cramping, passing excessive gas, sulfur-tasting burps Occasional nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, or constipation

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Medications
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Quinacrine Furazolidone Nitazoxanide (Alinia) Drink fluids such as sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, flat soda (such as 7-Up) Fluids should be taken in small amounts frequently throughout the day. Avoid fluids containing caffeine. Suck on ice chips to keep from becoming dehydrated if you cannot keep fluids down. After 12 hours, the diet can be advanced to bland foods such as potatoes, noodles, rice, toast, cereal, crackers, and boiled vegetables. Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods. After stools become formed, return to a regular diet. Avoid milk for several weeks.