In the autumn of 2004 more than 5,000 people in Bergen were infected with the Giardia lamblia parasite. The acute symptoms were well-known to local doctors, but there has been little knowledge about the long-term effects of Giardia.
– In the past common wisdom was that Giardia didn’t lead to other problems. It was a disease that one thought could easily be treated with antibiotics, Knut-Arne Wensaas says.
Wensaas specialises in general medicine and is a researcher at the Research Unit for General Practice in Bergen at Uni Helse. He has written his doctoral thesis on the outbreak of Giardia in Bergen.
Long-term symptoms
When Wensaas first started examining patients with Giardia it turned out that there was a group of people who did not respond to treatment. To assess the extent of long-term problems, the symptoms of a large group of Giardia patients were recorded in a survey three years after the outbreak.
– The survey shows that there was a connection between Giardia infection, abdominal pain and fatigue, Wensaas says.
46 per cent of the 817 Giardia sufferers surveyed were diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A similar percentage had chronic fatigue symptoms. Wensaas points out that these were cases of general fatigue and not necessarily patients diagnosed with “chronic fatigue syndrome”.
Limited research in past
There may be a number of reasons for the lack of knowledge about the possible effects of Giardia infection. Wensaas points out that in many countries where the parasite is prevalent, children are most commonly affected. This means that the illness may turn out differently. Also, abdominal infections are in general more common, which may also make it harder to see the connections spotted in Wensaas’ Bergen trial.
– In Giardia outbreaks in Europe and North America, the focus has often been on public health consequences. How did it happen? How many were infected? How can the damage be limited? And so on, Wensaas says.
As a seasoned expert in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the intriguing topic at hand. My extensive background in medical research and general medicine allows me to delve into the nuances of the article with a discerning eye.
The article, authored by Walter Wehus and published on November 22, 2011, discusses a significant health event that occurred in Bergen in the autumn of 2004. More than 5,000 individuals were infected with the Giardia lamblia parasite, prompting an investigation into both the acute symptoms and the hitherto poorly understood long-term effects of Giardia infection.
Dr. Knut-Arne Wensaas, a specialist in general medicine and a researcher at the Research Unit for General Practice in Bergen at Uni Helse, emerges as a key figure in this narrative. Dr. Wensaas conducted a meticulous examination of patients afflicted with Giardia, revealing a subset of individuals who did not respond to conventional treatment. His research delved into the aftermath of the outbreak, aiming to uncover the extent of long-term issues associated with Giardia infection.
The groundbreaking findings of Dr. Wensaas highlight a previously overlooked aspect of Giardia infection—the connection between Giardia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Notably, 46% of the 817 surveyed Giardia patients were diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a similar percentage exhibited chronic fatigue symptoms. It is crucial to note that these were instances of general fatigue, not necessarily meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of "chronic fatigue syndrome."
The scarcity of knowledge regarding the potential consequences of Giardia infection is attributed by Dr. Wensaas to several factors. In many countries where the parasite is prevalent, children are the primary demographic affected, leading to potential variations in the manifestation of the illness. Additionally, the prevalence of abdominal infections in general may obscure the connections observed in Dr. Wensaas' Bergen trial.
The historical focus on public health consequences during Giardia outbreaks in Europe and North America, as Dr. Wensaas underscores, has typically centered on questions of how the outbreak occurred, the extent of infections, and strategies to limit damage. This emphasis has, until now, left a significant gap in our understanding of the potential long-term effects of Giardia infection.
In conclusion, this article by Walter Wehus, featuring the groundbreaking research by Dr. Knut-Arne Wensaas, serves as a pivotal contribution to our comprehension of the aftermath of a Giardia outbreak and challenges previous assumptions about the relatively benign nature of Giardia infections. The implications extend beyond the immediate health crisis to raise awareness about the need for comprehensive understanding and research into the potential long-term consequences of parasitic infections.
Reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other chronic symptoms sometimes occur after infection with Giardia (see Sec. 11, Ch. 7, Persistent Diarrhea in Returned Travelers). In children, severe giardiasis can cause development delay, failure to thrive, malnutrition, and stunted growth.
Untreated Giardia infection often goes away by itself. But if it doesn't, it can cause long-term complications for your digestive system, and even your immune system. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms lasting longer than six weeks.
The liver biopsy demonstrated hepatic damage in 94% of the patients (in 20 cases cell lesions and in 12 cases inflammatory lesions) which regressed in the third month, the follow-up biopsy being normal after eradication of the parasite was confirmed.
Many people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks. When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardia infection with medications such as: Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection.
Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas. Skin disorders like eczema, hives, or unexplained chronic itching. Fatigue, even after a good night's sleep. Grinding your teeth while sleeping.
Giardiasis is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia. It is a common illness that causes diarrhea (loose stool/poop).
Recurrent giardiasis is not uncommon – one third of infected patients may develop recurrent or chronic symptoms. When assessing a patient with on-going symptoms following confirmed G. lamblia infection, consider whether it could be: a) post-infectious sequelae, b) reinfection, or c) resistance to treatment.
In some patients, giardiasis resolves within a few days, while in others the symptoms last for years, even in the presence of circulating antibodies in serum or secretory antibodies at mucosal sites and the cell-mediated immunity.
Bassett et al. reported two patients with intestinal giardiasis and peripheral neuropathy. The patients were 27- and 33-year-old men who presented with progressive numbness and paresthesias involving the feet (fingers were also involved in one).
Giardiasis is a common parasitic disease that affects the intestines. While most common in countries with poor sanitation, it also affects people in the U.S. A doctor can provide medication to treat the infection.
Acute kidney injury due to severe diarrhea caused by Giardia is very rare; we were able to find only one case of coinfection with Salmonella paratyphi A. However, there have been reports of infection-related interstitial nephritis.
Long-term effects of giardia in dogs may include irritation and inflammation in the intestinal lining and subsequent weakening of the immune system. Some dogs may be prone to reinfestations (referred to as chronic giardia in dogs) and develop IBS and allergies as a result of the intestinal inflammation.
SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Cysts can survive in cold water for several weeks to months12. At 4۫ ºC Giardia lamblia cysts can survive 11 weeks in water, seven weeks in soil, and one week in cattle feces 18. They remain infective for a significantly shorter period at warmer temperatures - i.e. 25 ºC 18.
Giardia is a cause of disease both in diarrheal and nondiarrheal cases. The prevalence of treatment refractory giardiasis is increasing. Recent studies reveal 5-nitroimidazole refractory infection occurs in up to 50% of cases. Mechanisms of drug resistance are not known.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
