giardiasis

In medicine, gastrointestinal infection usually characterized by severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea, though in some cases it may be symptomless. It also produces a sulphorous smell on the breath. Infection is acquired through drinking water contaminated with the parasite protozoan Giardia lamblia, usually in in Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Giardiasis develops one or two weeks after exposure. Antibiotics such as metronidazole and tinidazole provide effective treatment.