Giardiasis

Alternative names:

giardia

Treatment:

Some infections resolve on their own. Anti-infective agents such as metronidazole or quinacrine may be used. Furazolidone is generally used to treat children. Drug resistance may be a factor in treatment failures, requiring a change in antibiotic therapy.

In pregnancy, treatment should be deferred until after delivery because none of the drugs used to treat the infection are approved for use in pregnancy.

Expectations (prognosis):

Spontaneous resolution is common, but persistent infections have been reported.

Complications:

• dehydration
• malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)
• weight loss

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if diarrhea or other symptoms persist beyond the acute phase (up to 14 days), or if blood in the stool or dehydration occur.