Giardia

1
Giardia

• ByChris
• Andy
• And Zach

2
History

• First U.S. case was reported in
• Aspen, CO in 1970.
• Overall incidences of infection in the U.S. is
  roughly 2 of the population.
• Last giardia free region in the world, New
  Zealand, got their first case in 1991.

3
Appearance

• Characteristic tear drop shape.
• Ten to 15 UM in length.
• 4 pairs of flagella.
• Has no mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum,
  golgi, or lysosomes.

4
Infection

• Attacks the intestinal tract.
• Causes dehydration, mal-absorbtion, and weight
  loss.

5
Symptoms

• Appear 7 to 10 days after infection.
• Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased
  gas, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and a
  low level fever.
• Symptoms usually last 7 to 14 days.

6
Treatment

• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Quinacrin Hydrochloride and Furazolidone are also
  frequently used.
• Drug resistance has been shown in all of these
  compounds.

7
Prevention

• Do not consume unsafe drinking water.
• Thoroughly wash hands after activities.
• Do not allow animals to defecate near drinking
  water supplies.