Giardiasis - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

11/2/22, 9:37 AM Giardiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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Giardiasis
Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. — By Amanda Delgado —
Updated on September 16, 2018
Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Complications

Prevention Outlook
What is giardiasis?
Giardiasis is an infection in your small intestine. It’s caused by a
microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis spreads through
contact with infected people. And you can get giardiasis by eating
contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Pet dogs and cats
also frequently contract giardia.
This condition can be found all over the world, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it’s more common in
overcrowded developing countries that lack sanitary conditions and water
quality control.
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What are the causes of giardiasis?

G. lamblia are found in animal and human feces. These parasites also
thrive in contaminated food, water, and soil, and can survive outside a
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host for long periods of time. Accidentally consuming these parasites can
lead to an infection.
https://www.healthline.com/health/giardiasis 1/9
The most common way to get giardiasis is to drink water that contain G.
lamblia. Contaminated water can be in swimming pools, spas, and bodies
of water, such as lakes. Sources of contamination include animal feces,
diapers, and agricultural runoff.
Contracting giardiasis from food is less common because heat kills the
parasites. Poor hygiene when handling food or eating produce rinsed in
contaminated water can allow the parasite to spread.
Giardiasis also spreads through personal contact. For example,

unprotected anal sex can pass the infection from one person to another.
Changing a child’s diaper or picking up the parasite while working in a day

care center are also common ways to become infected. Children are at
high risk for giardiasis because they’re likely to encounter feces when
wearing diapers or potty training.
What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

Some people can carry giardia parasites without experiencing any
symptoms. Symptoms of giardiasis generally show up one or two weeks
after exposure. Common symptoms include:
fatigue
nausea
diarrhea or greasy stools

loss of appetite
vomiting
bloating and abdominal cramps
weight loss
excessive gas
headaches
abdominal pain
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How is giardiasis diagnosed?

You may have to submit one or more stool samples for testing. A
technician will check your stool sample for giardia parasites. You could
have to submit more samples during treatment. Your doctor may also
perform an enteroscopy. This procedure involves running a flexible tube
down your throat and into your small intestine. This will allow your doctor
to examine your digestive tract and take a tissue sample.
What are the treatments for giardiasis?

In most cases, giardiasis eventually clears up on its own. Your doctor
might prescribe medication if your infection is severe or prolonged. Most
doctors will recommend treatment with antiparasitic drugs, rather than
leaving it to clear up on its own. Certain antibiotics are commonly used to
treat giardiasis:
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that needs to be taken for five to

seven days. It can cause nausea and leave a metallic taste in your
mouth.
Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole, and often treats

giardiasis in a single dose.
Nitazoxanide is a popular option for children because it’s available

in liquid form and only needs to be taken for three days.
Paromomycin has a lower chance of causing birth defects than other

antibiotics, although pregnant women should wait until after delivery
before taking any medication for giardiasis. This medication is given
in three doses over the course of 5 to 10 days.
What complications are associated with giardiasis? 

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Giardiasis can lead to complications such as weight loss and dehydration

from diarrhea. The infection can also cause lactose intolerance in some
people. Children under 5 years old who have giardiasis are at risk for
malnutrition, which can interfere with their physical and mental
development.
How can I prevent giardiasis?

You can’t prevent giardiasis, but you can lower your risk of getting it by
thoroughly washing your hands, especially if you work in places where
germs spread easily, such as day care centers.
Ponds, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water can all be sources of
giardia. Don’t swallow water if you go swimming in one of these. Avoid
drinking surface water unless it’s been boiled, treated with iodine, or
filtered. Bring bottled water with you when you go hiking or camping.
When traveling in a region where giardiasis occurs, don’t drink tap water.
You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water. Keep in mind
that tap water can also be present in ice and other beverages. Avoid
eating uncooked local produce.
Be cautious about sexual practices associated with the spread of this

infection, such as anal sex. Use a condom to reduce the chance of
contracting giardiasis.
What is the long-term outlook for people with

giardiasis?
Giardiasis infections usually last about six to eight weeks, but problems
such as lactose intolerance can persist after the infection clears up.
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Last medically reviewed on August 15, 2017
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11/2/22, 9:37 AM Giardiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Complications

What are the causes of giardiasis?

Giardiasis also spreads through personal contact. For example,

Changing a child’s diaper or picking up the parasite while working in a day

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

diarrhea or greasy stools

How is giardiasis diagnosed?

What are the treatments for giardiasis?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that needs to be taken for five to

Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole, and often treats

Nitazoxanide is a popular option for children because it’s available

Paromomycin has a lower chance of causing birth defects than other

What complications are associated with giardiasis? 

Giardiasis can lead to complications such as weight loss and dehydration

How can I prevent giardiasis?

Be cautious about sexual practices associated with the spread of this

What is the long-term outlook for people with

The latest in alternative medicine, delivered

Your privacy is important to us

Last medically reviewed on August 15, 2017

How we vetted this article:

Share this article

READ THIS NEXT

Why Is My Stool Yellow?

Skin Infection: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Stool Ova and Parasites Test

When parasites grow, reproduce, or invade organ systems it results in a

String Test (Entero-test)

A string test, or "entero-test," is used to detect the presence of parasites

8 Parasites and Bacteria That Could Be Hiding

Certain E. coli outbreaks have caused recalls or restaurant shutdowns.

Can Bedbugs Get into or Live in Your Hair?

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email SIGN UP

Your privacy is important to us

About Us Medical Affairs

Contact Us Content Integrity

Privacy Policy Newsletters

About | Careers | Advertise with us

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