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GASTROENTERITIS
An inflammation of the stomach and/or intestinal linings, resulting from eating contaminated food (bacterial, viral, parasitical).

GERM
Generic term used to refer to any disease-causing microorganism (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses).+

GIARDIA LAMBLIA
Giardia lamblia is the parasite that causes the disease Giardiasis. Giardia lamblia is usually found in contaminated waters.

GIARDIASIS
This disease is acquired by swallowing the parasite Giardia lamblia. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating and gas. The infection usually lasts one or two weeks, but may last months or even years causing significant weight loss. Chronic cases are difficult to treat. Contamination of food and water comes from feces of an infected person or animal, therefore foodborne infection can be transmitted by infected food handlers with poor personal hygiene. Giardiasis is the leading cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America.

Reported # of foodborne Giardiasis: 182 cases (CDC 1989-1991).
Number of reported outbreaks: 7 between 1989 and 1992 (CDC).

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME
An autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and causes fatigue, weakness, paralysis and sometimes death. Recovery may takes weeks, months or even years. Guillain-Barre syndrome has been linked to Campylobacter jejuni.