2. What is Giardiasis Giardiasis is an infection of the small bowel by a single celled organism called Giardia lamblia. Typically people become affected with this parasite after consuming contaminated water by raw sewage or animal waste.
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4. When to seek medical attention Profuse watery diarrhea with dehydration Blood or mucus stools More than 6 unformed stools in 24 hours Fever greater than 100.4 F Illness longer than 48 hours
5. Exams and Test The most common way to diagnose Giardiasis is by visualization of Giardia cysts by professionals. This can be determined by examining the stool. Another method called antigen assay of stool, which is used to detect a certain protein found in the wall of the Giardia The string test involves swallowing a fuzzy string, enclosed in a gelatin capsule. The string collects secretions and mucus from the small bowel
6. Prevention Filter and boil all water when traveling to developing countries Avoid eating foods washed in contaminated water Avoid risky sexual behaviors Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water Wash hands after changing a babies diper
7. Outlook This disease is 100% curable!! With proper treatment and medication Giardiasis can be 100% curable. However, it could possibly lead to lactose intolerance, cramping and watery diarrhea after ingestion of milk products. Those with weaker immune systems could endure chronic infection.
8. Bibliography "Giardiasis." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/giardiasis.html>.
