What is giardiasis?

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Worldwide, giardiasis is one of the most widespread non-viral infections causing diarrhea in humans, infecting an estimated 200 million people each year.1

At any given time, it can affect anywhere from 2 to 5% of the population in developed countries and 20 to 30% of the population in developing countries.2

Anyone can get Giardia, but the disease is more common in areas without adequate sanitary conditions and those with outdated water treatment facilities. It is most common in tropical countries and among tourists and business travelers who visit developing countries.

In the United States, more than 20,000 cases of giardiasis were reported annually between 2003 and 2005.3 However, the true number of cases is probably much higher, because not every infected person seeks treatment.

The disease is more common during summer months, and it's more likely to strike children between the ages of 1 and 9 and adults aged 30 to 39.3 According to researchers, 7% of children ages 1 to 3, 11% of children entering day care, and up to 35% of children attending day care may be infected.1,2

Learn more about giardiasis:
Cause and Risk Factors»
Signs and Symptoms»
Tests and Diagnosis»
Treatment of Giardiasis»
  1. Giardia: Drinking Water Fact Sheet [Internet]. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water; 2000 Sept [accessed 2008 Jul 10]. Available from: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/humanhealth/microbial/giardiafs.pdf
  2. Ortega YR, Adam RD. Giardia: overview and update. Clin Infect Dis. 1997 Sep;25(3):545-9; quiz 550.
  3. Yoder JS, Beach MJ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Giardiasis surveillance--United States, 2003-2005. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2007 Sep 7;56(7):11-8.

Only Tindamax® is approved to treat both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (TV).

Clinical Insight

Oral vs vaginal cream therapy: Patient preference for oral dosing is demonstrated to be 84%. More»

Beyond BV

Tindamax® may be prescribed for other infections including: