GIARDIA

Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a very small parasite, Giardia lamblia (also known
as Giardia intestinales o Giardia duodenalis). Once an animal or person is infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in the stool. The parasite is protected by an outer shell (cyst) and can survive outside the body and in the environment for a long time.

Giardia infection has become one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in humans. The most common symptoms of giardiasis include: diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps and upset stomach. These symptoms generally begin 1-2 weeks after infection, and may last 2-6 weeks in healthy individuals. Sometimes symptoms last longer, and may lead to weight loss and dehydration. Some people will have no symptoms. However, people with weakened immune systems (e.g., persons with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and transplant patients) or the elderly may have a more serious infection that can lead to severe illness or death.

The CerTest Giardia is a one step coloured chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Giardia in stool samples.

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