GOODAFTERNOON 
REPORTER: AMBERJANE CABALTERA
GIARDIASIS
Is an infection in your small intestine. It’s caused by a protozoan, Giardia Lamblia.
The parasite lives in two stages: trophozoites and cysts.
Trophozoites are the active form of the parasite inside the body
Cysts represent the resting stage that enables the parasite
to survive outside the body.

The parasite is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with
infected feces or by eating food or drinking water contaminated by feces.

The disease is most prevalent in developing countries, where infections are
associated with poor sanitary conditions, poor water quality control, and
overcrowding

Giardiasis affects three times as many children as adults. It particularly
affects diapered children and toddlers being toilet-trained.
:The
symptoms of giardiasis include:
A sudden explosive, watery, foul-smelling diarrhea
Excessive gas
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Nausea
Tiredness
Loss of appetite.
Risk factors

Children

People without access to safe drinking water

People who have anal sex
Diagnosis
Stool specimens are collected and examined over a period of at least 3 days.
Complications

Dehydration

Failure to thrive.

Lactose intolerance
Prevention

Wash your hands
Keep your mouth closed
Purify wilderness water
Practice safer sex