giardiasis /jē·ärdī″əsis/ [Alfred Giard; Gk, osis, condition] , a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the protozoan Giardia lamblia. Also called traveler’s diarrhea. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Infection may be asymptomatic or may cause nausea; abdominal cramps; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; fatigue; and weight loss. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Often, the infection resolves without treatment. When treatment is required metronidazole, tinidazole, furazolidone, or paromomycin may be used. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The source of infection is usually fecally contaminated water. Cases have occurred in day care facilities with poor hygienic practices. Infants and children are at greatest risk for complications.
