Giardiasis is a common disease among all categories of the population. It is caused by parasites - giardia. At its core, this pathology does not belong to serious diseases, but it causes a number of complications. Before you learn how lamblia are transmitted, you need to understand that it is very easy to get this disease. This is its main danger.
Most infected were found among children, but the disease is also common among adults. People who are faced with this problem are wondering how lamblia are transmitted from person to person, because they could not find other reasons for the development of pathology. In fact, the main prerequisite for infection is neglect of personal hygiene.
Causes of Giardiasis
The answer to the question of whether lamblia are transmitted from person to person is positive, but with some clarification. You will not be infected by direct contact with a parasite carrier. The ways of penetration of lamblia into the body are as follows:
- Through contaminated water. This is the main pathway for Giardia to enter the body. Cysts can be in the water for a very long time, after which they settle in the human body. If you use raw water that is not treated with a filter, you can assume that you caught the disease almost immediately. Water needs to be cleaned. The best option is to boil it. High temperatures completely destroy lamblia cysts.
- Giardia can be picked up if you eat unwashed vegetables and fruits, poorly heat-treated meat.
- The contact path of infection is the answer to the question of how lamblia are transmitted from person to person. You can become a carrier of parasites if you use someone else's dishes, underwear and other items. In addition, occasional hand washing is a direct route to infection. Scientists have proven that children who are accustomed to biting their nails are much more likely to suffer from giardiasis.
There are also myths about the transmission of lamblia. You need to know them.
Myths about giardiasis infection
It is believed that lamblia from cats are transmitted to humans. There is some truth in this statement. However, the animal cannot infect you. Parasites, the carrier of which is a cat, can get into the water, after which a person will become infected. Moreover, giardia can be transmitted to the animal from its owner. Follow the rules of personal hygiene when in contact with the cat tray, so as not to fear infection.
Also, often people do not know if lamblia is transmitted with kisses. The answer to this question is positive when it comes to kisses with animals. It is advisable to avoid such manifestations of feelings. But if you think that lamblia are transmitted with a kiss between people, you are mistaken. In human saliva, cysts are not ways to survive, so do not be afraid of infection.
You need to know that when ingested, Giardia does not immediately begin full-fledged life activity. Their development goes through several stages.
Stages of Giardiasis
Infection occurs as follows:
- Giardia cysts from the outside world enter the body.
- Parasites begin to feed. They usually consume decay products.
- Giardia from the small intestine passes into the large.
- When the parasites find a favorable place for existence, they remain there, eating at the expense of their carrier.
If lamblia accidentally enters the external environment, she can live without a host for no more than two months.
In the state of cysts, this parasite is able to exist for several decades, while maintaining the ability to live. Therefore, there are so many of these organisms in the environment.
Signs of infection
Both lamblia and adults should know how lamblia are transmitted in order to protect themselves from infection if possible. However, if, by coincidence, Giardia still managed to penetrate the body, you need to know by what signs it can be determined.
It is easiest to detect giardiasis in the first week after infection. In this period, the signs are bright. These include:
- Diarrhea and indigestion.
- Body temperature rises slightly.
- Lethargy and severe weakness.
- Constant feeling of tiredness.
- A sharp drop in immunity.
- Problems with the sleep cycle.
- A sharp loss of appetite.
- Persistent migraine.
These symptoms are characteristic of an acute form of the disease. There is also a chronic stage of pathology, in which the following symptoms are observed:
- The skin becomes pale, loses its tone, elasticity and firmness. This happens because the body loses many of the nutrients necessary to maintain healthy skin.
- The oral cavity changes in color, becomes lighter.
- The skin of the face becomes uneven, spots may also appear.
- The skin begins to peel off. Other dermatological problems are possible.
The acute stage is accompanied by frequent changes in mood, loss of capacity for work, irritability and nervousness.
The chronic form of the disease is much more difficult to detect. This can be done on grounds such as skin problems and weight loss.
Vomiting, indigestion, constipation and bloating may also occur. Pay particular attention to the condition of the liver. If you slightly apply pressure on the area where this organ is located, then in the presence of giardia, pain or discomfort may occur in the body.
Diagnosis of the disease
If you figured out how lamblia are transmitted, then you probably already understood that a routine examination will not help with the diagnosis. Here you need a laboratory test. To identify this disease, a special analysis for lamblia has been developed. It helps to find out whether antibodies to the cysts of these parasites are present in the body. If they are found in the blood, the diagnosis is confirmed, if their absence is detected, giardiasis is not the right verdict.
In especially severe or controversial cases, doctors prescribe duodenoscopy. This study provides a more accurate result. It is based on the fact that the internal structure of the intestine is studied together with all organisms living in it.
After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Giardiasis treatment
You can not make spontaneous decisions in the treatment of giardiasis. Many people immediately after making a diagnosis start taking drugs that fight parasites. This can not be done categorically, since Giardia massively die, as a result of which the body is overflowing with toxic substances.
Usually, doctors prescribe drugs to increase immunity, eliminate intoxication and normalize bowel function. Such treatment lasts about 14 days.
After this, the patient begins to take medications against parasites. At the same time, doctors often prescribe drugs that prevent the occurrence of a possible allergy.
During the course of treatment, the doctor also prescribes a special diet, which you must adhere to strictly, otherwise all measures may be in vain.
The consequences of giardiasis
If you are self-medicating or not doing anything at all, the following consequences are possible:
- Problems with the small intestine.
- Disorders of the digestive organs.
- Significant dermatological problems.
To avoid this, you must adhere to the recommendations of the doctor. But the best treatment is prevention.
Infection prevention
Measures for the prevention of giardiasis are very easy to carry out. To do this, it is enough to follow the rules of personal hygiene, process meat well, refuse raw water and carefully wash vegetables and fruits before eating. We answered the question of whether lamblia are transmitted from person to person. Now you know that with the right approach to lifestyle there is nothing to fear.
But even if the above rules are observed, once a year it is necessary to undergo an examination in the hospital, so that if necessary, treatment can be started on time.