GIARDIASIS (Giardia spp.) • Giardia are gastrointestinal protozoan parasites that are found in most vertebrate species. The Giardia duodenalis ‘species complex’ comprises multiple assemblages (genetic groupings) A-H, with different host specificities. These assemblages have recently been ‘reclassified’ as separate species. 1 • H umans and a range of animals, including dogs and cats, are susceptible to infection with Giardia duodenalis (Assemblage A) and Giardia enterica (Assemblage B) making these species potential zoonoses. • D ogs (and other canids) and cats may also be infected with host-specific species, Giardia canis (Assemblages C and D) and Giardia cati (Assemblage F) respectively. • M ost cases of giardiasis in humans result from human-to-human transmission as opposed to being from a zoonotic source. Zoonotic assemblages A and B identified in wildlife and domestic animals could contribute to transmission between humans and animals. 2
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
• Prompt removal of dog and cat faeces is recommended. • Ensure good hand hygiene practices for all family members, especially children, after handling pets,
where possible. Environmental areas (such as soil and grass) are challenging to decontaminate but all hard surfaces should be sanitised. - Infected animals should be quarantined and thoroughly washed prior to reintroduction to clean areas. - Pregnant animals should be tested and treated and then bathed prior to whelping with chlorhexidine shampoos to remove cysts on the coat. - In kennel or shelter environments management should include keeping cages clean and dry (inclusive of prompt removal of faecal matter) and disinfection of surfaces (cysts are sensitive to the majority of commercial disinfectants). • Human-to-animal transmission is possible but thought to be uncommon. In the household setting of immunocompromised patients or relapsing human infection, treatment of household pets could be considered. A collaborative approach to case management between human healthcare professionals and veterinarians in these instances is recommended.
playing outside and prior to eating. • Cover sandpits and protect playgrounds and garden areas. Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated with animal faeces. • Avoid drinking untreated water from rivers, lakes and other sites where the water supply is not considered safe. • Although the risk is low, it is widely accepted that Giardia of animal origin may infect humans. The cysts of Giardia which infect dogs, cats and humans are morphologically identical. As such, all Giardia positive animals should be considered as carrying potentially zoonotic species and owners must be advised as such. Recommended precautions for managing animals with documented Giardia infection include: - Owners should wear gloves when disposing of animal faecal matter and reduce environmental contamination through cleaning and disinfection of in-contact surfaces
CONTENTS
44 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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