Children at risk of giardiasis in Auckland: a case–control analysis

• Published in: Epidemiology and infection Vol. 131; no. 1; pp. 655 - 662
• Main Authors: HOQUE, M. E., HOPE, V. T., SCRAGG, R., KJELLSTRÖM, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01-08-2003
• Subjects: Age groups; At risk youth; Biological and medical sciences; Caregivers; Case-Control Studies; Child, Preschool; Children; Children & youth; Consent; Diapers, Infant; Disease; Disease transmission; Drinking water; Female; Giardia; Giardiasis; Giardiasis - epidemiology; Giardiasis - etiology; Human protozoal diseases; Humans; Incidence; Industrialized nations; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infections; Infectious diseases; Interviews; Male; Medical sciences; New Zealand - epidemiology; Odds Ratio; Parasitic diseases; Parasitic diseases due to ciliates and flagellates; Potable water; Predisposing factors; Protozoal diseases; Public health; Risk Factors; Surface water; Swimming; Tropical medicine; Water consumption; Water Supply; New Zealand; Oceania; Human; Protozoa; Protozoal disease; Diplomonadida; Parasitosis; Case control study; Epidemiology; Incidence; Infection; Giardiasis; Risk factor; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Child
• ISSN: 0950-2688; 1469-4409
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268803008598

The incidence rate of giardiasis in New Zealand is one of the highest among developed countries, peaking in the 1–4 year age group. A case–control study was undertaken to identify risk factors for giardiasis among Auckland children under 5 years of age. The exposure history of 69 cases and 98 controls were analysed. Ninety-five per cent cases and 86% controls used water from the Auckland Metropolitan mains (AMM) supply for domestic purpose, 44 cases and 42 controls swam and 59 cases and 54 controls wore nappies. Children wearing nappies were at significantly increased risk of the disease (OR=3·0, 95% CI=1·01–8·9), as were those from households which had more than one child wearing a nappy (6·5, 1·8–23·4). The Auckland metropolitan mains water supply was associated with a reduced risk compared to other drinking water sources. Significantly increased risks were also associated with drinking water consumed away from home (4·7, 2·2–10·1), swimming at least once a week (2·4, 1·1–5·3) and travelling domestically (2·5, 1·03–6·0). The study identified vulnerable groups and modifiable risk factors for diarrhoeal diseases, particularly Giardia infection. Nappy wearing was an independent risk factor for infection. Further study is advocated to ensure better protection of public health, especially for children.