DefinitionGiardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by a microscopic organism (protozoa), Giardia lamblia.Alternative NamesGiardia; Traveler's diarrhea - giardiasisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsGiardiasis outbreaks can occur in communities in both developed and developing countries where water supplies become contaminated with raw sewage.It can be contracted by drinking water from lakes or streams where water-dwelling animals such as beavers and muskrats, or domestic animals such as sheep, have caused contamination. It is also spread by direct person-to-person contact, which has caused outbreaks in institutions such as day care centers.Travelers are at risk for giardiasis throughout the world. Campers and hikers are at risk if they drink untreated water from streams and