Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Giardia Infection

Giardia infection is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States.

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Giardia Infection

Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and bouts of watery diarrhea.

Insight:

Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water.
Giardia infection (giardiasis) is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States.
The parasites are found in backcountry streams and lakes but also in public water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas, and wells.
Giardia infection can be spread through food and person-to-person contact.
Giardia infections usually clear up within a few weeks.
Symptoms include watery stool, fatigue, stomach cramps, gas, nausea, and weight loss.
Causes may include swallowing contaminated water, eating contaminated food, and person-to-person contact.
Risk factors include being a child, anal sex, and not having access to clean water.
Treatment includes using medications such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), and nitazoxanide (Alinia).

Sources:

Causes of Schistosomiasis