Many microorganisms can cause intestinal infections. This includes parasites like Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, that can spread from person to person primarily through contaminated food and water. According to StatPearls Publishing, this type of infection is the most prevalent enteric protozoal infection globally, affecting nearly 2% of adults and 8% of children in developed countries.

What Is Giardiasis?

Dr Asha Subbalakshmi Musunuri, HOD of Gastroenterology, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, describes giardiasis as an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. According to her, it is one of the most common causes of waterborne illnesses worldwide.

Research suggests that about 33% of individuals in developing countries have been infected with giardiasis. It is a significant cause of epidemic diarrhoea among children in the developing world, with prevalence rates reaching 15-20% in those under 10 years.

There are many ways giardiasis can spread. It primarily transmits through the ingestion of Giardia cysts, which can be found in:

• Contaminated water: Drinking or swimming in water contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.
• Contaminated food: Eating food washed or prepared with contaminated water.
• Person-to-person contact: Close contact with an infected person, such as in childcare settings.
• Fomites: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the parasite and then touching the mouth.

Common Symptoms Of Giardiasis

Giardiasis can be asymptomatic, meaning it can show no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. However, if symptoms do arise, they can be severe. The most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea or watery, foul-smelling stools that can be intermittent.
• Abdominal cramps and pain - often described as bloating or gas.
• Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
• Fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness and malaise.
• Weight loss due to malabsorption and loss of appetite.
• Greasy stools that may float due to their high-fat content.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Given that giardiasis is an intestinal illness, its symptoms can mimic many other bacterial or parasitic infections that lead to enteric problems. This can also lead to confusion and cause delays in the diagnosis process.

However, certain tests can help detect and confirm the condition. These include:

• Stool tests used to identify Giardia cysts or trophozoites.
• Antigen tests to detect Giardia proteins in stool samples.
• Molecular tests like PCR tests to identify Giardia DNA in stool samples.
• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and duodenal biopsy sometimes used to clinch the diagnosis of giardiasis by directly visualising and sampling the upper gastrointestinal tract.

When it comes to treating giardiasis, healthcare providers usually prescribe medications, which commonly include:

• Metronidazole: An antibiotic that is often the first choice.
• Tinidazole: Similar to metronidazole but may be given as a single dose.
• Nitazoxanide: An antiparasitic medication.
• Paromomycin: An alternative for those who cannot tolerate the above medications.

How To Prevent The Infection

To prevent giardiasis, Dr. Musunuri shares a few tips and strategies. These include:

• Drink only treated or bottled water, especially in areas where giardia is common. Avoid swallowing water from lakes, rivers, or pools.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water; immerse fruits and vegetables in salt water for at least 30 minutes before consumption.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods that might be contaminated.
• Practise good hand hygiene, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
• Ensure proper sanitation facilities and practices, especially in childcare settings and areas with poor sanitation infrastructure.
• Minimise close contact with those who have giardiasis until they have been treated.

Conclusion

If you’re passing watery and bad-smelling stools, especially after coming in contact with contaminated water and food, it could be a sign of giardiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection. This is a very common condition that affects people of all age groups and is one of the leading causes of diarrhoea among children in developing countries. While diagnosis involves undergoing various tests, treatment usually consists of medications that should be prescribed by a doctor. However, when it comes to giardiasis, prevention is key.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-giardiasis-that-causes-foul-smelling-diarrhoea-1721200739