Treatment of Giardiasis
Giardiasis is usually treated with the antibiotic metronidazole, even though it is not a bacterium but a parasite. Metronidazole is quite effective against both forms (trophozoite, cyst) of Giardia lamblia. It should be taken in any case, even if the giardiasis is asymptomatic.
Because all infected persons are contagious via the stool. The risk of infection can be minimized with metronidazole. It is also recommended to start the therapy early to avoid chronicity and thus persistent diarrhea. If the infected person has received a lot of fluid due to the diarrhoea, the doctor should give him a special solution with electrolytes to compensate for the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
Course and duration of giardiasis
Giardiasis can be completely asymptomatic, which is why it is not noticed by those infected. However, if there are symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain. If there is nausea and vomiting, these usually remain for about two to three weeks.However, the infection period is much longer, since the parasite can be excreted in its cyst form via the stool for several weeks to months.
The duration of the infection and the infectiousness can be reduced by appropriate antibiotic treatment. The prognosis for giardiasis is quite good in most cases. Thus, it is a harmless infection with parasites.
In children or immunocompromised patients, damage to the small intestine with a disturbed absorption of nutrients can occur in rare cases. In this case, deficiency symptoms and growth disturbances can occur.
