Article Title: "The Effect of Giardiasis on Human Health"<br />By Dr. Arshed Shakir Kadim<br /><br /><br />Introduction<br />Giardiasis is an infection caused by a protozoan parasite, Giardia lamblia. It has also been known in its species as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis. The organism invades the small bowel. Waterborne gastrointestinal infections represent probably the most prevalent etiology all over the world and happen to be more common in places where fecal sanitation is deficient. The disease transmits itself through ingesting cysts found within tainted water, nourishment, and directly from one person to another.<br /> <br />Pathophysiology<br />Trophozoites are released in the small intestine. They attach to the mucosa and interfere with normal absorption. The following mechanisms contribute to disease: Mechanical irritation of intestinal villi.,Malabsorption of fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.,Inflammatory response which leads to mucosal damage. Disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to typical features of a fully developed gastrointestinal illness.<br /> Acute symptoms present as: diarrhea (foul-smelling, stools are greasy), abdominal cramps and bloating, nausea and vomiting, flatulence. Chronic symptoms will present as: malabsorption syndrome, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies (A,B12,folate).<br />Human Health Effects Nutritional effect Chronic giardiasis decreases the consumption of nutrients thereby causing malnutrition. This mostly affects children due to vulnerability, thus more effects on growth retardation and intellectual development.<br />Gastrointestinal Effects Infection persistence results in symptoms similar to irritable bowels. Long-term alterations in gut microbiota most probably increase susceptibility to other infections.<br />Other Non-intestinal Effects Some patients develop post-infectious fatigue syndrome. Giardia has been identified very infrequently with reactive arthritis and eye complications.<br />Giardiasis occurs in both developing and developed countries. It mostly involves travelers, children attending day-care centers, and immunocompromised individuals. Ingestion of contaminated sources of drinking water is the most common etiology of an outbreak.<br /> <br />Provision of clean water supply and improved sanitation. Hand hygiene among children and their caregivers. Wash food properly and boil water where the area is endemic. Treat with antiparasitic drugs, metronidazole, or tinidazole. <br />Giardiasis does not represent a trivial diarrheal disease; rather, it manifests profound long-term effects on human health, particularly children. The condition of malnutrition and growth failure, together with chronic gastrointestinal problems attributable to giardiasis, put it solidly within the context of global public health concerns. Improved sanitation, clean water, and public health awareness can prevent the disease; meanwhile, treatment that dramatically reduces the burden of disease is already available<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq