A review of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of parasitic origin: The case of giardiasis

Abstract

Giardiasis is an acute form of gastroenteritis caused by the parasite GIARDIA LAMBLIA. An increase in the incidence 
and frequency of the disease in the last few years in the developed world has brought to the fore a now recognized 
mode of transmission – sexual contact. This in turn has led to giardiasis being classified as a sexually transmitted 
disease by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. This review identifies its 
occurrence mainly in homosexual populations of the developed world especially in the United States and the possible 
spread of the disease through the family setting and even heterosexual relationships.