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Is Giardia a significant pathogen in production animals?
Thomas Geurden1, Jozef Vercruysse, Edwin Claerebout
1Laboratory for Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. thomas.geurden@ugent.be
Experimental Parasitology
|March 17, 2009
Summary
Giardiasis in production animals causes clinical disease, but its role as a reservoir for human Giardia duodenalis infection needs more research. This review covers diagnosis, treatment, and control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Food Animal Health
Background:
- Giardia duodenalis is a globally significant cause of human gastrointestinal illness.
- The clinical importance of giardiasis in production animals remains debated.
- Most research focuses on production animals as reservoirs for zoonotic transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the clinical relevance of giardiasis in production animals.
- To discuss diagnosis, treatment, and control of Giardia infections in livestock.
- To identify future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on giardiasis in production animals.
- Synthesis of information on clinical signs, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions.
- Analysis of the role of production animals in zoonotic transmission.
Main Results:
- Clinical disease associated with giardiasis in production animals has been documented since the 1980s.
- Evidence supports the clinical relevance of giardiasis in livestock, beyond its zoonotic potential.
- Gaps exist in understanding the full impact and management of the disease in these animals.
Conclusions:
- Giardiasis is clinically relevant in production animals and warrants further investigation.
- Effective diagnostic, treatment, and control measures are crucial for animal health and potentially public health.
- Future research should address the clinical impact and transmission dynamics more comprehensively.
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