User:Mr. Ibrahem/Giardiasis

Giardiasis, popularly known as beaver fever, is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia and G. intestinalis). About 10% of those infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur they may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Vomiting, blood in the stool, and fever are less common. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and without treatment may last up to six weeks.

Giardia usually spreads when Giardia duodenalis cysts within feces contaminate food or water which is then eaten or drunk. It may also spread between people and from other animals. Risk factors include travel in the developing world, changing diapers, eating food without cooking it, and owning a dog. Cysts may survive for nearly three months in cold water. Diagnosis is via stool tests.

Prevention is typically by improved hygiene. Those without symptoms do not usually need treatment. When symptoms are moderate, there is poor immune function, or there are risks regarding spread; treatment with either tinidazole or metronidazole is recommended. People who are not already lactose intolerant may become so temporarily after an infection and therefore it is often recommended milk be avoided for a few weeks. Resistance to treatment may occur.

Giardia is one of the most common parasitic human diseases globally. In 2013, there were about 280 million people worldwide with symptomatic giardiasis. Rates are as high as 7% in the developed world and 30% in the developing world. The World Health Organization classified it as a neglected disease.