Giardia Lamblia Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Giardia Lamblia?

A flagellated unicellular eukaryotic microorganism (correct)

A type of bacteria

A multicellular organism

A viral infection

What is the phylum of Giardia Lamblia?

Sarcomastigophora

What is the subphylum of Giardia Lamblia?

Mastigophora

What is the species name for Giardia Lamblia?

lamblia Signup and view all the answers

What is the genus of Giardia Lamblia?

Giardia Signup and view all the answers

What class does Giardia Lamblia belong to?

Zoomastigophora Signup and view all the answers

What order does Giardia Lamblia belong to?

Diplomonadida Signup and view all the answers

What family is Giardia Lamblia classified under?

Hexamitidae Signup and view all the answers

Name one form characteristic of Giardia Lamblia.

2 nuclei, adhesive disk, multiple flagella, median body Signup and view all the answers

Describe the cyst form of Giardia Lamblia.

4 nuclei, Outer filamentous layer, Inner double membrane layer Signup and view all the answers

What are the diagnostic stages of Giardia Lamblia?

cysts and trophozoites found in feces Signup and view all the answers

How does one get infected with Giardia Lamblia?

ingestion of cysts in contaminated water, food, or by the fecal-oral route Signup and view all the answers

Where do trophozoites of Giardia Lamblia primarily multiply?

proximal small bowel Signup and view all the answers

What is excystation?

emergence from a cyst Signup and view all the answers

What happens during encystation?

formation of a cyst Signup and view all the answers

What are some symptoms of Giardia Lamblia infection?

diarrhea, gas, greasy stool, abdominal cramps Signup and view all the answers

How long after ingestion of cysts do symptoms start?

7-14 days Signup and view all the answers

Match at-risk populations for Giardia Lamblia infection:

Homosexual males = At risk People in undeveloped countries = At risk Travelers in areas with untreated water = At risk Individuals with compromised immune systems = At risk Children in daycares = At risk Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of diagnosis for Giardia Lamblia?

Antigen detection methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common treatment for Giardia Lamblia?

Metronidazole Signup and view all the answers

What prevention methods can be practiced to avoid Giardia Lamblia infection?

Practice good hygiene and avoid contaminated water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Giardia Lamblia Overview

Flagellated unicellular eukaryotic microorganism, primarily responsible for diarrheal disease globally.
Recognized scientifically as Giardia lamblia, classified in the phylum Sarcomastigophora.

Taxonomy

Subphylum: Mastigophora
Class: Zoomastigophora
Order: Diplomonadida
Family: Hexamitidae
Species: lamblia
Genus: Giardia

Morphology

Characterized by 2 nuclei, an adhesive disk, multiple flagella, and a median body.
Cysts (inactive form) consist of 4 nuclei, an outer filamentous layer, and a double membrane layer, allowing for transmission of giardiasis.

Life Cycle and Infection

Infection occurs through the ingestion of cysts from contaminated water, food, or via the fecal-oral route.
Excystation occurs in the small intestine, releasing trophozoites; each cyst produces two trophozoites.
Trophozoites multiply by longitudinal binary fission, staying in the proximal small bowel, either free or attached to the mucosa.
Encystation forms cysts as parasites transit toward the colon.
Infectious cysts can be transmitted person-to-person through fecal-oral contact.

Pathology and Symptoms

Symptoms onset occurs 7-14 days post-cyst ingestion, including acute diarrhea, cramping, and bloating, or chronic symptoms like malaise, nausea, and significant weight loss (10-15 pounds).
Additional symptoms encompass greasy, floating stools, abdominal cramps, vomiting, dehydration, as well as skin reactions like hives and swelling.

At-Risk Populations

Higher susceptibility noted in homosexual males, travelers in areas with untreated water, individuals with compromised immune systems, and children in daycare facilities.

Transmission

Waterborne transmission through contaminated drinking water and recreational waters.
Contaminated food due to improper hygiene during food preparation contributes to transmission.
Fecal-oral transmission prevalent in environments like nurseries; children pose higher risks.

Immune Evasion

Giardia lamblia exhibits antigenic variation, allowing it to evade the immune system by altering variant-specific surface proteins (VSP).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves microscopic stool examination for trophozoites or cysts.
Antigen detection methods may enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Treatment predominantly uses Metronidazole, despite concerns over carcinogenic properties at high doses; alternatives include Tinidazole and Nitazoxanide.

Prevention Strategies

Emphasizing good hygiene practices is crucial.
Avoid potentially contaminated water sources, both for drinking and recreational use.
Careful food handling and cleanup after illness can mitigate transmission risks.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Giardia Lamblia with these informative flashcards. Each card presents a key term related to this microorganism, including its classification and characteristics. Perfect for students studying microbiology or health sciences.