This is probably a common problem for children in orphanages. It is easy to detect Giardia lamblia in the stool by collecting stools for ova and parasites with directed attention to testing for the Giardia antigen. It is best to obtain at least three stools for the evaluation for Giardia because cysts are inconsistendy shed. When a child is adopted from abroad, stools for ova and parasites and Giardia antigen should be obtained. The changing of diapers of infants and toddlers should always be accompanied by good hand washing habits.
Giardia cysts are easily transmissible.
If a child has one parasite it is not uncommon for there to be other parasites. A follow-up culture should be obtained after treatment of Giardia to confirm eradication of the infection and to also see if other parasites have been uncovered. Dr. Jane Aronson is a board certified general pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric at the Weill Medical College, Cornell University. She is an established international adoption medicine specialist and has treated over 1400 children adopted from abroad. Dr. Aronson reviews pre-adoption medical reports, evaluates videos and photographs, prepares people for travel abroad, and speaks and writes about international adoption for family adoption groups, adoption agencies, and physicians.