Learn More
See, Play and Learn
- No links available
Research
Resources
For You
Summary
Giardiasis is an illness caused by a parasite called Giardia intestinalis. It lives in soil, food, and water. It may also be on surfaces that have been contaminated with waste. You can become infected if you swallow the parasite. You can also get it if you're exposed to human feces (poop) through sexual contact.
The risk of getting giardia is higher for travelers to countries where it is common, people in child care settings, and those who drink untreated water.
Diarrhea is the main symptom of giardia infection. Others include:
- Passing gas
- Greasy stools
- Stomach cramps
- Upset stomach or nausea
These symptoms may lead to weight loss and loss of body fluids. Some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of infection often last two to six weeks. Stool sample tests can diagnose it. You often need to collect several samples to test. Doctors use several drugs to treat it.
The best way to prevent giardia infection is to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing. You should not drink water that may be contaminated. You should also peel or wash fresh fruit and vegetables before eating.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Diagnosis and Tests
- Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
- Giardia: Illness & Symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Ova and Parasite Test (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Giardia Prevention and Control (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Treatments and Therapies
- Giardia Infection Treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Related Issues
- Germs that Can Contaminate Tap Water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Giardia & Pets (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Travelers' Health: Water Disinfection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Rabbits as reservoirs: An updated perspective of the zoonotic risk from...
- Article: Comparison of Giardia duodenalis point-of-care antigen faecal tests to reference laboratory...
- Article: Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality.
- Giardia Infections -- see more articles
Children
- Giardiasis (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
Patient Handouts
- Giardiasis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Stool ova and parasites exam (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish