Giardia lamblia

flagellated protozoan parasite

colonizes and reproduces in the small intestine

causes giardiasis

reproduces via binary fission

EXTRA - Giardiasis does not spread via the bloodstream

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lambliaan anaerobic protozoan parasite commonly found in water sources.

Giardiatransitions through two life stages: trophozoite and cyst.

The trophozoite form of Giardia was first observed in 1681 by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in his own diarrhea stools.

Life Cycle:

Thetrophozoiteactively dividing, vegetative stage of the protozoan. DiplomonadsFlagella

TheGiardiacyst oval-shaped resistant structure with a very thick wall. These cysts are dormant structures flagella

Transmissioningestion of dormant microbial cysts in contaminated water, food, or by the faecal-oral route (through poor hygiene practices).

Giardia infects humans, but is also one of the most common parasites infecting cats, dogs and birds. Mammalian hosts also include cattle, beavers, deer, and sheep.

Infection Drinking contaminated water fecal-oral route are the most common pathways of entry

Spread via:stool person-to-person transmission is possible

Prevention: boil your drinking water

Symptoms

abdominal cramping diarrhea nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis Fecal matter test Blood test

Treatmentantibiotics:Metronidazole Quinacrine

at least 25 cysts needed to produce an active infection