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?

<p>lamblia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the genus of Giardia Lamblia?

<p>Giardia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What class does Giardia Lamblia belong to?

<p>Zoomastigophora</p> Signup and view all the answers

What order does Giardia Lamblia belong to?

<p>Diplomonadida</p> Signup and view all the answers

What family is Giardia Lamblia classified under?

<p>Hexamitidae</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one form characteristic of Giardia Lamblia.

<p>2 nuclei, adhesive disk, multiple flagella, median body</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the cyst form of Giardia Lamblia.

<p>4 nuclei, Outer filamentous layer, Inner double membrane layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the diagnostic stages of Giardia Lamblia?

<p>cysts and trophozoites found in feces</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does one get infected with Giardia Lamblia?

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

Where do trophozoites of Giardia Lamblia primarily multiply?

<p>proximal small bowel</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is excystation?

<p>emergence from a cyst</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during encystation?

<p>formation of a cyst</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some symptoms of Giardia Lamblia infection?

<p>diarrhea, gas, greasy stool, abdominal cramps</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long after ingestion of cysts do symptoms start?

<p>7-14 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match at-risk populations for Giardia Lamblia infection:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of diagnosis for Giardia Lamblia?

<p>Antigen detection methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common treatment for Giardia Lamblia?

<p>Metronidazole</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Practice good hygiene and avoid contaminated water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Giardia lamblia?

A microscopic, single-celled organism responsible for causing diarrhea worldwide.

What is giardiasis?

A type of parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia.

What is a Giardia cyst?

The inactive, protected form of Giardia lamblia, which can survive outside the body and transmit infection.

What is a Giardia trophozoite?

The active, feeding form of Giardia lamblia that lives and multiplies in the intestines.

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What is excystation?

The process by which a Giardia cyst transforms into an active trophozoite.

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What is encystation?

The process by which a Giardia trophozoite changes into an inactive cyst.

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What is fecal-oral transmission?

The primary way Giardia is spread, involving contact with contaminated feces and then the mouth.

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What is diarrhea in giardiasis?

The most common symptom of giardiasis, characterized by loose, watery stools.

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What is antigenic variation in Giardia?

The ability of Giardia lamblia to change its surface proteins, making it harder for the immune system to recognize and fight it.

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What is microscopic stool examination for giardiasis?

A common way to diagnose giardiasis by examining stool samples under a microscope.

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What is Metronidazole?

A medication commonly used to treat giardiasis.

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What is the ingestion of Giardia cysts?

The process of ingesting contaminated water or food, leading to the transmission of Giardia cysts.

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Where do trophozoites multiply?

The part of the small intestine where Giardia trophozoites multiply.

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Who is at higher risk for giardiasis?

People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to giardiasis.

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How to prevent giardiasis?

Uncontaminated water and careful food handling are crucial for preventing giardiasis.

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What is the outer filamentous layer of a Giardia cyst?

The part of the Giardia cyst that makes it resistant to environmental factors and facilitates transmission.

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What is the adhesive disk of a Giardia trophozoite?

The Giardia trophozoite's structure that helps it attach to the intestinal lining.

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How many nuclei are in a Giardia trophozoite?

The number of nuclei found in a Giardia trophozoite.

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How do Giardia trophozoites multiply?

The type of cell division used by Giardia trophozoites to multiply.

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What are some symptoms of giardiasis?

Symptoms of giardiasis can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.

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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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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.

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