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Epidemiology of Giardiasis in German Travelers
Article first published online: 8 MAR 2006
DOI: 10.2310/7060.2000.00024
1708-8305/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=595189c8938e9967ee660dc782caa021d9bfee91 "Journal of Travel Medicine")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Jelinek, T. and Löscher, T. (2000), Epidemiology of Giardiasis in German Travelers. Journal of Travel Medicine, 7: 70–73. doi: 10.2310/7060.2000.00024
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 JUL 2007
- Article first published online: 8 MAR 2006
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Background: Giardiasis has been well characterized in individuals traveling from areas of low to high endemicity.
Methods: Clinical features, travel and medical histories in 352 patients with giardiasis who presented to a German outpatient clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases were investigated in order to identify common epidemiological factors and potential strategies of prevention.
Results: Compared to the total patient population of the outpatient clinic during the period of investigation (n=13, 566 patients), patients who presented with giardiasis traveled longer (median 28 days versus 19 days, p < .001). While only 19.2% of the total patient population had traveled to the Indian subcontinent prior to referral, 32.1% of the patients with giardiasis acquired the infection there (p < .0001). Similar results were obtained for West Africa: in contrast to 19% of patients with giardiasis (p < .0001), only 5.4% of the total patient population traveled there.
Conclusion: The risk of infection appears to be highest when making an extended journey to the Indian subcontinent. Short-time visitors to other parts of Asia and Latin America are apparently at a markedly lower risk. Risk factors such as type, duration and destination of the journey should be considered in pretravel counseling.