---------- > From: Julian and Jackie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: Can gerbils carry Giardia? > Date: 06 May 2000 16:54 > > This is what the Encyclopaedia Britannica says about Giardiasis > > > > "Giardiasis. > > The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia (see photograph) causes the > diarrheal condition known as giardiasis. It is transmitted directly from > person to person, and the infection is quite frequent in crowded > institutions. Clinical symptoms include large, foul-smelling, fatty > stools, heartburn, malaise, and lethargy. The diarrhea is usually self- > limiting and many occurrences of the illness are undiagnosed, although a > chronic malabsorption of nutrients from the intestines may develop in > young infected children. > > Diagnosis is established by finding the organism in stool specimens or > in intestinal washings. The disease is generally mild and mortality is > rare, specific therapy being available." > > There is no mention of catching it from animals, and I have never seen a > reference to gerbils carrying this organism. > > Gerbils can carry E. coli and Listeria. It is very rare for gerbils to > pass on any infectious agent to humans. > > I hope this is helpful. > -- > Julian > Giardia is usually transmitted via contaminted water. The organism can exist as a cyst for a long time and is difficult to destroy. There has been discussion recently in Swimming circles about the problem of giadia in swimming pools. Whilst normal pool chlorination will destroy bacteria, it does not destroy giardia cysts. The cysts get into the pool from fecal accidents (I'm trying to put this politely). This is usually from babies and many pools are now insisting that babies who are not potty trained wear special waterproof pants called kooshies. Giardia is also often contracted by swimming in open water such as rivers and ponds. Outbreaks are common at things like Scout Camps. Sue
