Giardiasis

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

• Giardiasis Overview
• Giardiasis Causes
• Giardiasis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Giardiasis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Giardiasis Overview

Giardiasis is an infection of the small bowel by a single-celled organism called Giardia lamblia. People become infected with the Giardia parasite after swallowing Giardia cyst often found in water contaminated by raw sewage or animal waste.

• Giardiasis can be found among 2-5% of people in industrialized nations such as the United States. In developing countries, 20-30% of the population may have giardiasis.

• Travelers to foreign countries may develop diarrhea often caused by Giardia.