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Giardiasis page 2 Many cases of giardiasis are mild and symptoms may disappear in a few days without medical treatment. More serious cases usually are treated effectively with the drug metronidazole, although this treatment kills only the trophozoite form of Giardia and has no apparent effect on cysts. If free-swimming trophozoites remain in the body, they may cause chronic giardiasis, which may last for months or even years. Transmission of giardiasis can be minimized through careful personal hygiene, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, or before handling or eating food. Giardia cysts can be removed from drinking water by filtration systems, such as those used to treat municipal water supplies, or by handheld, small-pore water filters such as those used by hikers and campers. Public health measures also involve the proper disposal and treatment of human and other animal wastes. Heating potentially contaminated water to at least 55° C (131° F) before drinking or cooking with it will kill any cysts.
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