Giardia prevalence in households in North West England
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the prevalence of Giardia infection in households of reported Giardia cases in North West England
IRAS ID
145477
Contact name
Kenneth Lamden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health England
Research summary
In Cumbria and Lancashire, the number of Giardia cases has been increasing over the last few years (2010: 186 cases to 2013: 266 cases; 43% increase). It is the second most common cause of gastroenteritis in Lancashire and is a treatable infection.
One of the highest risk groups are people living in the same household as a case of giardiasis because Giardia can be transmitted by the faecal-oral route from person-to-person. Between 35-70% of people infected with Giardia have no symptoms but are still infectious to others. Without treatment, infectivity can continue months resulting in potential infection or re-infection of others. Consequently, research on infected rather than symptomatic cases is likely to provide a more comprehensive insight into transmission dynamics and associated risk factors. This study could lead to advice for wider testing and treatment of household members thus reducing the overall number of cases. This project aims to answer the following question; what is the prevalence of Giardia infection in households of reported cases of giardiasis?
The study will aim to recruit 130 reported Giardia case households from ten local authorities in the Lancashire area. All household members will be invited to participate and provide a faecal sample to test for Giardia. Because Giardia can infect animals, dogs and cats will also be included if agreed by the owner. A faecal sample with be collected and a short questionnaire completed.
The study will run for a year or until the sample size is reached. The collected data will be used to estimate the prevalence of Giardia infection in households of reported Giardia cases; a secondary objective will be to identify potential risk factors that may increase the risk of Giardia infection in households. Finally through genetic sequencing of Giardia isolates transmission patterns between humans and pets will be assessed. Funding for the study is provided by Public Health England.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0151
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion