What type of pathogen is Giardia?
Parasites – Giardia Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs.
What does giardia do inside the body?
Giardiasis (jee-are-DYE-uh-sis) is caused by the microscopic Giardia parasite. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in humans, where it causes diarrhea and interferes with the body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods.
Can humans contract giardia?
Person-to-person contact. You can get infected with giardia if your hands become dirty with feces — parents changing a child’s diapers are especially at risk. So are child care workers and children in child care centers, where outbreaks are increasingly common. The giardia parasite can also spread through anal sex.
Can humans get Giardia from dog saliva?
Can I get Giardia infection from my pet? The chances of people getting Giardia infection from dogs or cats are low. The type of Giardia that infects humans is not usually the same type that infects dogs and cats.
How do I get rid of giardia in my lawn?
The most readily available disinfectant is bleach diluted 1:32 in water. Studies have shown this dilution to require less than one minute of contact time to effectively kill giardia cysts. As for areas with lawn or plants, decontamination may not be possible without the risk of killing the foliage.
How long does it take to clear up giardia in dogs?
With proper medicine, giardia can be eliminated within two weeks. However, be aware that at the end of the treatment, you will need to give your dog a good and thorough bath to get rid of any cysts that could be on your dogs coat.
How much does it cost to treat giardia in dogs?
Treatment is usually inexpensive as well but varies according to size. $20 to $100 is typical of uncomplicated giardiasis treatment.