Can giardiasis (giardia intestinalis) a microscopic parasite last a long time?

I was diagnosed with giardiasis (giardia intestinalis) a microscopic parasite back Feb. of 鈥?6 and it was supposedly cured back then. Every once in awhile, I will have the same symptoms of it, can I still have the parasite after all this time?

It could be possible if you did not get appropriate treatment or are somehow getting re-infected.

Most infected subjects are asymptomatic, and most infections are self-limited. Acute symptoms include acute watery diarrhea, chronic diarrhea with malabsorption and weight loss, and abdominal cramping.

However, chronic infections, marked by chronic diarrhea, steatorrhea(fatty stools) and malabsorption, can occur and can last for weeks to months.

Giardia has one of the simplest life cycles of all human parasites. The life cycle is composed of 2 stages, the trophozoite, which exists freely in the human small intestine and the cyst, which is passed into the environment. No intermediate hosts are required. Upon ingestion of the cyst contained in contaminated water or food, excystation occurs in the stomach and duodenum in the presence of acid and pancreatic enzymes. The trophozoites pass into the small bowel where they multiply rapidly, with a doubling time of 9-12 hours. As trophozoites pass into the large bowel, encystation occurs in the presence of neutral pH and secondary bile salts. Cysts are passed into the environment, and the cycle is repeated.

Flagyl is the treatment of choice.

Please see your doctor if you think you concerned with your symptoms.

yes its very common actually. once u have it once its easier to get it back again. another thing is that ppl respond differently with treatment so maybe the first time treatment wasnt enough for u.