Primary prevention

Strict hand washing is essential in avoiding person-to-person transmission of giardiasis. Giardia cysts can be eliminated by heating water to at least 70ºC for 10 minutes. Iodine disinfection carried out for at least 8 hours is more effective than chlorine-based treatment. High-quality water-filtration units may be effective for the removal of Giardia cysts.[48][49]

Hygiene in children is equally important, including care with nappy disposal. In day-care centres, treatment of symptomatic children can prevent the spread of giardiasis. Breast milk contains detectable titres of secretory immunoglobulin A, which is protective for nursing infants and is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries.[50][51]​​ Evidence exists that interventions to improve human excreta disposal are effective in preventing diarrhoeal disease.[52]

There is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of commercial probiotics for the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea, including giardiasis-associated diarrhoea.[53][54]

Guidelines for the prevention of giardiasis in children with HIV advise that practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with water and food that may be contaminated, and initiating combination antiretroviral therapy may prevent severe enteric giardiasis.[55]

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