• Print ISSN: 0976-948X
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Giardiasis: An Emerging yet Neglected Zoonotic Disease of Public Health Significance
Volume 9 | Issue 3 | December 2023
AUTHOR(S)
Mahendra Pal, Kirubel Paulos Gutama, Judit Molnar, Firehiwot Abera , Surajit Baidya

ABSTRACT

Giardiasis is a neglected protozoan disease that has been reported from developing as well as developed nations of the world.The parasite is estimated to cause more than 28.2 million cases of diarrhoea each year due to contamination of food. Oral route is the prime portal of entry of the parasite though food or water. The disease is caused by Giardia duodenalis, a zoonotic parasite, which is widely prevalent in environment and infection can occur in sporadic and epidemic form. Transmission of infection is either direct (person to person) or indirect through water or food. People travelling to areas with poor sanitation are more likely to get the infection. Symptoms of infection include nausea, abdominal cramps, gas and diarrhoea. Chronic infections are also associated with arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Microscopical examination of stool for the parasite is the simplest method to diagnose Giardia infection. Real-time PCR is considered as the most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of disease. The patients can be treated orally with drugs like metronidazole and tinidazole.Sometime, the patient with severe disease may be not respond to therapy. Personal hygiene, sanitation and implementation of HACCP in food establishments are imperative for prevention and control of disease.

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DOI
https://doi.org/10.62418/ijvph.9.3.2023.16-18
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Corresponding author’s email ID: palmahendra2@gmail.com
Citation: Pal M, Gutama KP, Molnar J, Abera F, Baidya S. Giardiasis: An Emerging yet Neglected Zoonotic Disease of Public Health Significance. Indian Journal of Veterinary Public Health. 2023; 9(3): 16-18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62418/ijvph.9.3.2023.16-18