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, can include mild to 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 and 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>