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: 05/25/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of
Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General
Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
