Editing Giardia (section)

==Infection==
[[File:Giardia-spp.--infected--gerbil-intestine.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An [[scanning electron micrograph|SEM micrograph]] of the [[small intestine]] of a [[gerbil]] infested with ''Giardia'' reveals a mucosa surface almost entirely obscured by attached [[trophozoites]]]]
{{Main|Giardiasis}}
''Giardia'' lives in the [[intestine]]s of infected humans or other animals, individuals of which become [[infection|infected]] by ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated foods, soil, or water tainted by the feces of an infected carrier.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Filice, F.P. |author-link=Francis P. Filice |title=Studies on the cytology and life history of a ''Giardia'' from the laboratory rat |journal=U. C. Publications in Zoology |volume=5sex7 |issue=2 |year=1952 |location=Berkeley CA |publisher=University of California Press}}</ref>

The symptoms of ''Giardia'', which may begin to appear 2 days after infection, include violent [[diarrhoea]], excess gas, stomach or abdominal cramps, upset stomach, and nausea.  Resulting dehydration and nutritional loss may need immediate treatment.  A typical infection can be slight, resolve without treatment, and last between 2–6 weeks, although it can sometimes last longer and/or be more severe. Coexistence with the parasite is possible (symptoms fade), but an infected individual can remain a carrier and transmit it to others.  Medication containing [[tinidazole]] or [[metronidazole]] decreases symptoms and time to resolution. [[Albendazole]] is also used, and has an [[anthelmintic]] (anti-worm) property as well, ideal for certain compounded issues when a general vermicidal agent is preferred.
''Giardia'' causes a disease called [[giardiasis]], which causes the villi of the small intestine to atrophy and flatten, resulting in malabsorption in the intestine. Lactose intolerance can persist after the eradication of ''Giardia'' from the digestive tract.<ref>{{harvnb|LaCour|2003}}</ref>