Giardiasis
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a protozoan and is spread by contaminated water or contact with an infected person. People who are travelling or hiking should assume water sources are contaminated and either purify drinking water or drink bottled water. Healthcare or daycare workers should practice good hygiene when going from person to person. Unprotected anal sex can also transmit Giardiasis from an infected person to the partner.
Review Date: 11/02/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator,
Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician
Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser
Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
