Treatment:

Some infections go away on their own. Anti-infective medicines may be used.

Cure rates are generally greater than 80%. Drug resistance may be a factor in treatment failures, sometimes requiring a change in antibiotic therapy.

In pregnant women, treatment should wait until after delivery, because some drugs used to treat the infection can be harmful to the unborn baby.

Expectations (prognosis):

It is common for the infection to go away on its own. However, persistent infections have been reported and need further antibiotic treatment. Some people who have had Giardia infections for a long time continue having symptoms even after the infection has gone.

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 last for more than 14 days
• You have blood in the stool
• You are dehydrated