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Study of nonoutbreak giardiasis: novel findings and implications for research
Paul T Cantey1, Sharon Roy, Brian Lee
1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. gdn9@cdc.gov
The American Journal of Medicine
|October 22, 2011
Summary
Giardia infections significantly impact daily life and diagnosis can be delayed by intermittent diarrhea. Extraintestinal manifestations are common and warrant further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The impact of non-outbreak Giardia infections in the US is not well understood.
- Information on quality of life and unusual symptoms is limited.
- This study aimed to define infection impact, explore extraintestinal issues, and identify delayed treatment factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To better define the impact of Giardia infection on daily living.
- To examine the occurrence of extraintestinal manifestations.
- To determine risk factors associated with delayed Giardia diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data for non-outbreak Giardia cases.
- Enrolled participants into Risk Factor and Delayed Enrollment arms.
- Collected data via detailed questionnaires on symptoms, daily activities, healthcare use, and treatment.
Main Results:
- 290 individuals were enrolled; 72.4% reported decreased daily activity.
- Intermittent diarrhea, delayed healthcare visits, and income were linked to delayed diagnosis.
- Extraintestinal manifestations were reported by 33.8% of participants in the Risk Factor arm.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent diarrhea can delay seeking healthcare and diagnosis for Giardia.
- Further research is needed to see if this symptom differentiates Giardia from other diarrheal illnesses.
- Extraintestinal manifestations of Giardia infection appear common and require additional study.
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