Giardia

Giardia

What's

Giardia

Giardia is a tiny, single-celled parasite that can live in the intestines of humans and animals. It's responsible for a common intestinal infection called giardiasis, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating. People usually get infected with Giardia by consuming contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with an infected person or animal. The parasite forms a hard shell called a cyst, which allows it to survive outside the body for long periods and makes it resistant to common disinfectants. Once inside your body, the cysts open up and release the active form of the parasite, which then attaches to your intestinal walls and multiplies. Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contaminated water sources, can help prevent giardiasis.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of Giardia in the body could indicate an infection called giardiasis, which is caused by the consumption of contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with an infected person or animal. The parasite forms cysts that are resistant to common disinfectants and can survive outside the body for extended periods. Once inside the body, these cysts release the active form of the parasite, which attaches to the intestinal walls and multiplies. Good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding contaminated water sources, can help prevent giardiasis.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Giardia may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Giardia could indicate that your body has been exposed to the parasite, but the infection is not severe or widespread. This might be due to a limited exposure to contaminated water or food, or your immune system effectively controlling the parasite's growth. It's also possible that certain medications, such as antiparasitic drugs, have helped to reduce the parasite's presence in your body. However, it's important to note that even low levels of Giardia can still cause health issues, so maintaining good hygiene practices and being cautious of potential sources of contamination is essential.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Giardia may include mild diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue.

See References

Test for

GI-MAP by Diagnostic Solutions

Stool

The GI-MAP is a comprehensive stool test that utilizes qPCR technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, allowing practitioners to create personalized treatment protocols to address gut dysfunction.

GI-MAP + Zonulin by Diagnostic Solutions

Stool

GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile - 1 day by Genova Diagnostics

Stool

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in the management of gastrointestinal health. This is the 1-day version of the test; it is also available as a 3-day test.

GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile - 3 day by Genova Diagnostics

Stool

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in the management of gastrointestinal health. This is the 3-day version of the test; it is also available as a 1-day test.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis + Parasitology - 3 Day by Doctor's Data

Stool

The CSAP profile helps pinpoint the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic systemic conditions, and measures key markers of digestion, absorption and inflammation. It includes comprehensive bacteriology and yeast cultures, detection of infectious pathogens and parasites, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents. This is a 3-DAY SAMPLE COLLECTION.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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