The evaluation of a Giardia infection begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a Giardia infection may include:

• Fever
• Signs of dehydration

Signs of dehydration include:

• Pale, dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urination
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken fontanelle in infants
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure when standing
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• A condition of excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.

The diagnosis of Giardia infection must be confirmed through testing. A stool examination for ova and parasites can be helpful in detecting this infection.

A stool culture can detect:

• Shigella infection
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Cryptosporidium enterocolitis
• Giardiasis
• Pseudomembranous colitis:
• Clostridium difficile
• Salmonella gastroenteritis
• Traveler's diarrhea due to bacterial infection
• E. coli

Tests that may be used to evaluate a Giardia infection include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile

For more information:

• Bacterial gastroenteritis evaluation
• Viral gastroenteritis evaluation
• Gastroenteritis evaluation
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Cholera evaluation
• Shigella infection evaluation
• Salmonella infection evaluation