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What is giardiasis?Giardiasis is an infection. It is caused by a parasite called Giardia. It causes diarrhea. It is passed on through oral contact with infected feces. You can get the parasite by eating food or drinking water that contains infected feces. When you hike or travel, make sure not to drink water that may be unsafe. Giardiasis a common intestinal parasite. It is most common in countries with poor sanitary conditions, poor water quality control, and overcrowding. But it is also a common cause of parasitic infection in the U.S. Hikers and campers who drink water from streams and other potentially contaminated sources are often infected. What causes giardiasis?The parasite that causes giardiasis lives in 2 stages:
Infection starts when the cysts are taken in through contaminated food or water. Stomach acid activates the cysts and the trophozoites are released. They attach to the lining of the small intestine and reproduce. Cysts form in the lower intestines. They are then passed in the feces. The parasite may be passed from person-to-person by contact with infected feces, or through consuming contaminated food or water. What are symptoms of giardiasis?Symptoms of giardiasis may include:
The time between infection and the start of symptoms is usually from 1 to 2 weeks. Some infected people have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The symptoms of giardiasis are a lot like those of other gastrointestinal diseases. See a healthcare provider for diagnosis. How is giardiasis diagnosed?Diagnosis of giardiasis is made by testing stool samples in a lab. Several stool samples may be needed at different times. If you think you may have this illness, talk with your healthcare provider for advice. How is giardiasis treated?Giardiasis may be treated with prescription antibiotic medicines. Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Several medicines can be used to treat the infection. These include metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide. What are possible complications of giardiasis?If the infection is not treated and persists, you may not be able to absorb nutrients. It can also cause unintended weight loss. Can giardiasis be prevented?You can prevent giardiasis by practicing good personal hygiene. Good hygiene when caring for those who may be infected with the parasite is also important. When visiting an area where giardiasis may exist:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider if:
Key points about giardiasis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Barry Zingman MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What color poop is Giardia?The most common symptom of an active giardia infection is watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may be greenish or yellow in color, or it might be brown, but it is always going to be liquid. There may sometimes be blood present in a dog's stool as a result of giardia as well.
Can you see giardiasis in stool?Giardiasis travels in even trace amounts of infected stool (poop) — amounts so small you can't see it. If you have giardiasis, you can spread it to someone else, even if you have no symptoms. You can get giardiasis through: Drinking from untreated water sources (such as lakes, streams or swimming pools).
What are signs of Giardia in humans?People exposed to Giardia may experience mild or severe diarrhea (loose stool/poop), gas, stomach cramps, nausea (a feeling of upset in the stomach), or dehydration (loss of water in the body causing weakness of dizziness). Some people experience no symptoms at all. Fever is rarely present.
How long does untreated Giardia last?People with giardiasis will usually feel better and no longer have symptoms within 2 to 6 weeks. However, in some cases, symptoms may seem to be gone but will return after several days or weeks.
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