12 Questions
What is the appearance of the trophozoite form of Giardia?
Round with triangular shape and four flagella
What is the diagnostic significance of finding Giardia in stool?
It confirms the presence of cysts
Why do individuals with Giardia infection often have deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K?
Because Giardia impairs the absorption of these vitamins
How is Giardia mainly transmitted to humans?
By ingesting contaminated water or food
What is the treatment for Giardia infection?
Antibiotics
What type of motility does the cyst form of Giardia exhibit?
"Falling leaf" motility
What clinical manifestation is associated with yellow stool in a patient infected with Giardia?
Steatorrhea
How does Giardia primarily affect the absorption of vitamins in the intestine?
Increased mucus production
In which form does Giardia attach to but not invade the intestinal wall?
Trophozoite form
What is the diagnostic method used to detect Giardia antigen in stool samples?
Stool Elisa test
Which characteristic of the Giardia cyst form aids in its identification?
Rounded triangular shape
What is the primary action of the trophozoite form of Giardia in the intestine?
Absorption of nutrients via pinocytosis
Study Notes
Giardia Lamblia
- Giardia Lamblia is a parasite that can be spread through contaminated water and food, and is commonly found in travelers and campers who drink unfiltered or unpurified water.
Transmission and Risk Factors
- Contaminated water and food are the main sources of transmission.
- Backpackers and campers are at high risk due to lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Symptoms
- Bloating, flatulence, and foul-smelling diarrhea are common symptoms of Giardia infection.
- Steatorrhea (fatty diarrhea) can occur due to excessive mucus production, leading to impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestine, particularly vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Trophozoite Form
- The trophozoite form is flagellated and has four flagella, two nuclei, and a ventral sucking disk (adhesion disk) for attachment to the intestinal wall.
- It absorbs nutrients from the intestinal lumen via pinocytosis.
Cyst Form
- The cyst form has a rounded triangular shape and exhibits "falling leaf" motility.
- It is the infectious form of Giardia and can survive outside the human body for weeks.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Giardia infection can be diagnosed using ELISA stool antigen testing.
- Metronidazole is the common treatment for Giardia infection.
Test your knowledge on the symptoms of Giardia Lambia infection. Identify common signs such as yellow stool, foul-smelling diarrhea, and issues with absorption of nutrients. Learn about the impact of drinking contaminated water and the importance of water purification while camping or traveling.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
