Conducted an experimental study on the possibility of a calf infection by Giardia parasite isolated from human. Six calves were selected from the field of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Basrah and were divided into two groups, the first was a control group consisting of 2 calves (n=2) , and the second was group that infected and composed of four calves (n=4) . After the experiment done the percentage of infection was 100%. This study determined the amount of the dose that can cause infection to the calves and are (7- 21) cysts which were approach to those causing infection to human. The study also identified the incubation period for the giardiasis disease in calves, which were (7-10) days. This study is the first one in the Basrah and Iraq.

Stool samples were collected from 7537 persons attending Qurna hospital in Basrah from the period of Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2005 were examined and studied to define the role of intestinal protozoal infections ( Entamoeba histolytica , Giardia lamblia and mixed infection ) in rural region (Qurna) and effect of risk factors of age and sex related to these parasites. A high percentage of patient (29.2%) had infection with Entamoeba histolytica followed by (15.0%) infected with Giardia lamblia. The influences of age on infection with Entamoeba histolytica was studied, a higher incidence is found at >45yr. (35.7%) and also at (1-14)yr. age groups (31.9%).whereas the high percentage in Giardia lamblia infection (21.5%) was found within the age group (30-45)yr. Significant difference (p<0.05) was seen in the rate of infection with Entamoeba histolytica between males (33.9%) and females (26.7%) and No significant difference (p<0.05) have been found in the infection rate in Giardia lamblia (16.4%) were male and (14.7%) were females and mixed infection (11.2%) were males and (10.7%) were females.

Twenty kittens were vaccinated with a Giardia lamblia vaccine prepared on a commercial scale on day 0 and boosted on day 21 (group 1); while 10 kittens received only saline (group 2). These kittens were challenged on day 35 with 10(6) Giardia lamblia trophozoites by a surgical intraduodenal injection. Three control kittens were not vaccinated and not challenged (group 3). Following challenge, Giardia vaccinated kittens had significantly fewer days in which abnormal stools were observed and reduced food intake occurred compared to saline injected animals. The rate of weight gain between group 1 and group 2 animals was not different in the prechallenge period (day 0 to day 35), but vaccinated animals had a significantly higher weight gain in the postchallenge period (P < 0.05). On day 56, all vaccinated animals were not passing cysts in their feces, while 40% of saline injected kittens had Giardia cysts in their feces. In vaccinated kittens, cysts were never demonstrated in 45% of the animals, while cysts were detected in 90% of the saline injected kittens. Viability of the cysts in vaccinated kittens was 38% while the cysts viability in saline injected kittens was 99%. On postmortem examination, trophozoites could be detected in 5% of vaccinated kittens and 60% of saline injected kittens. Vaccination produced an elevated Giardia specific serum IgG and IgA response prior to challenge and throughout the postinfection period. The Giardia infection in the saline injected group did not induce an elevated specific serum response. Giardia vaccination of kittens provides protection in kittens from an experimental challenge by reducing or eliminating intestinal trophozoites and fecal cyst excretion.

Objective: To examine the effects of giardiasis on production and carcass quality, using growing lambs as a domestic ruminant model. Design: Randomized block. Animals: Giardia-free lambs: 23 in infected group, 24 in control group. Procedure: Six-week-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs were infected with Giardia trophozoites; control lambs received saline solution. Clinical signs of infection, body weight, and feed intake were determined for 10 weeks. Carcass weight and quality were determined at slaughter weight of 45 kg. Results: Giardia infection persisted from weeks 7 to 16. For 5 weeks after challenge exposure, abnormal feces were more frequently observed in infected lambs. Giardia infection was associated with a decrease in rate of weight gain and impairment in feed efficiency. Time to reach slaughter weight was extended in infected lambs, and the carcass weight of Giardia-infected lambs was lower than that of control lambs. Conclusion: Giardiasis has a negative effect on domestic ruminant production. Clinical Relevance: Giardiasis in domestic ruminants is an economically important disease, thus necessitating control or elimination of the infection.