Giardiasis is caused by microscopic parasites known as Giardia intestinalis. The parasites live in the intestines of humans and animals. Most human infections are caught from other humans.
In most cases, the parasites don't cause any symptoms, and people have no idea that they're infected. In parts of the world where giardiasis is widespread an estimated one in five people could be infected.
How giardiasis is spread
While inside the intestines, the parasites form a hard protective shell known as a giardia cyst.
When someone with the giardiasis infection goes to the toilet (passes a stool), some of the cysts inside the intestines can be passed out of the body inside the stool (faeces).
Giardia cysts can survive outside the body for several months or sometimes several years.
Once outside the body, giardiasis is usually spread by drinking water that's been contaminated with infected stools. This most commonly occurs in countries that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Less commonly, giardiasis is spread when an infected person doesn't wash their hands properly after going to the toilet and transfers the parasites onto surfaces, utensils or food. Anyone who touches an infected surface, uses infected utensils, or eats contaminated food can transfer the parasites into their mouth and become infected.
Who's at risk?
Parents or childcare workers who change the nappy of a baby with giardiasis have an increased risk of developing the condition by accidentally transferring infected faeces into their mouth.
The risk is higher particularly in environments where there are many babies who frequently need their nappies changing, such as day care centres and nurseries.
There have been a number of cases where hikers and campers have developed giardiasis after drinking contaminated water from streams and lakes. Therefore, always avoid drinking untreated water (water that hasn't been boiled or chemically treated) even if it looks clean.
A small number of outbreaks of giardiasis have been linked to recreational water areas, such as water parks and swimming pools, which have become contaminated with the giardiasis parasites.
People travelling to parts of the world where standards of water hygiene are poor have an increased risk of developing giardiasis. However, due to the time it takes for symptoms to appear after becoming infected, most people won't have any symptoms until they return home.
Sexually active gay men have an increased risk of contracting giardiasis as the giardia parasite can be passed from the anus (inside the bottom) to the mouth during sexual intercourse.
