Giardia, found in the feces of infected humans or animals, causes a diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. This eMedTV Web page describes where the Giardia parasite lives and explains how the parasite is transmitted.
Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps are common signs and symptoms of Giardia lamblia. This part of the eMedTV site offers a detailed list of Giardia lamblia symptoms, including those that appear with the chronic form of the condition.
This eMedTV resource explains how many medications are effective in curing Giardia lamblia. Chronic cases are often treated with additional drugs or for a longer period of time.
This eMedTV Web page describes the Giardia lamblia life cycle and explains how cysts multiply in the intestine. The life cycle is sustained by the ingestion of food or water that's been contaminated by the feces of infected humans or animals.