Protistan Infections That Can Cause Diarrhea

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of Giardia intestinalis?

  • It survives exclusively in oxygen-rich environments.
  • It can only reproduce in human hosts.
  • It possesses a single nucleus.
  • It has four flagella on each side. (correct)

Which symptom is not typically associated with giardiasis?

  • Rash development (correct)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite

How long can Giardia cysts survive in cold water?

  • Up to one week
  • One month
  • Three months (correct)
  • Indefinitely

Which of the following groups is most at risk for Giardia infections?

<p>Campers and hikers drinking untreated water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method is primarily used to diagnose giardiasis?

<p>Examination of stool for trophozoites and cysts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of infections caused by Giardia intestinalis in most cases?

<p>Asymptomatic in the majority of cases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Giardia and its environment is true?

<p>Most Diplomonads, including Giardia, prefer oxygen-poor habitats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might lactose intolerance occur in individuals with giardiasis?

<p>It results from the destruction of gut flora. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes the nuclei of Giardia intestinalis prominent?

<p>They are symmetrical and equal in size. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Diplomonads like Giardia?

<p>They possess two equal-sized nuclei. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of infection for Cryptosporidium spp.?

<p>Ingestion of fecally-contaminated water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is not commonly associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection?

<p>Bloody diarrhea (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time frame for symptoms to appear after consuming contaminated water with Cryptosporidium spp.?

<p>2 to 10 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT used for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. infection?

<p>Blood test for red blood cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Entamoeba histolytica is true?

<p>Only a small percentage show symptoms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is a hallmark of amebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica?

<p>Fever and bloody diarrhea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are swimming pools sometimes shut down in relation to Cryptosporidium spp. infections?

<p>The chlorine is ineffective against the cysts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can Entamoeba histolytica be distinguished from the non-pathogenic Entamoeba coli?

<p>By the presence of ingested human red blood cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common timeframe for symptoms to develop after infection with Entamoeba histolytica?

<p>1 to 2 weeks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of Cryptosporidium infection in immuno-compromised patients?

<p>Severe dehydration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Giardia intestinalis can survive in cold water for up to six months.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Giardia intestinalis has two equal-sized nuclei and four flagella.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Infections caused by Giardia intestinalis are rarely asymptomatic.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The symptom of lactose intolerance associated with giardiasis is usually permanent.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Campers and hikers are at high risk for Giardia infections due to drinking untreated water.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Symptoms of giardiasis can arise immediately after exposure to contaminated water.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Giardia intestinalis is classified under the supergroup Amoebozoa.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Trophozoites and cysts are examined in stool samples for diagnosing giardiasis.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasite in the world.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cysts of Giardia are shed in the feces of both infected vertebrates and humans.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cryptosporidium spp. is highly sensitive to chlorine and does not survive long in contaminated water.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis can appear within 2 to 10 days after consuming contaminated water.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Amebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica is characterized by symptoms such as watery diarrhea and fever.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Entamoeba coli is a pathogenic amoeba found in the human GI tract.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Symptoms of amebiasis may take longer than two weeks to develop after infection.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Healthy individuals who consume contaminated water are likely to experience severe symptoms from Cryptosporidium spp. infection.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Proper diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis involves checking for E.histolytica cysts in the patient's stool samples.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An acid fast stain can be used to examine stool samples for Cryptosporidium spp. cysts.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary symptom of cryptosporidiosis is abdominal pain, along with other gastrointestinal symptoms.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cryptosporidium infection typically presents with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cryptosporidium spp. infection

A parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium cysts, often spread through contaminated water, causing diarrhea and other GI symptoms.

Cryptosporidium cyst

A resistant stage of the Cryptosporidium parasite that can survive in water for several days to weeks.

Cryptosporidiosis symptoms

Watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss, and dehydration. Symptoms can appear within 2-10 days of infection.

Amebiasis

Infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that commonly causes GI tract infections.

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Amebiasis symptoms

Loose stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue. Severe forms, known as amebic dysentery, include bloody diarrhea and fever.

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Entamoeba histolytica

A pathogenic amoeba causing amebiasis.

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Entamoeba coli

A non-pathogenic amoeba found in the human GI tract; not causing illness.

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Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium

Examining stool samples for cysts via microscopy or antigens via ELISA.

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Diagnosis of Amebiasis

Microscopical analysis of stool samples to identify E. histolytica trophozoites (looking for ingested red blood cells).

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Fecally-contaminated water

Water containing fecal matter from infected individuals, a common source of protozoan infections.

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Giardia intestinalis

A protist parasite, part of the Diplomonads group, commonly causing giardiasis.

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Giardiasis

An intestinal infection caused by Giardia intestinalis.

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Cysts

Infectious forms of Giardia that can survive in water or soil.

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Trophozoites

Active feeding forms of Giardia found in the intestines.

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Contaminated water

Water containing Giardia cysts, which can cause infection.

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Symptoms

Possible effects of giardiasis, including diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting.

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Diplomonads

A specific group of protists that include Giardia intestinalis.

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Human Infection

Exposure to contaminated water can lead to a Giardia infection.

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Lactose intolerance (Temporary)

A potential symptom of Giardiasis that can resolve.

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Diagnosis

A diagnosis method includes examining stool for cysts or trophozoites.

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Symptoms of Giardiasis

Include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, gas, loss of appetite, and temporary lactose intolerance.

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Diagnosis of Giardiasis

Usually involves identifying cysts or trophozoites in a stool sample.

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How is Giardiasis Spread?

The infection is spread through ingestion of contaminated water containing Giardia cysts.

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Prevention of Giardiasis

Includes filtering or boiling water from rivers and streams before drinking.

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Cryptosporidium spp.

A type of parasitic protozoan that causes Cryptosporidiosis. It's an Apicomplexan, a group of animal parasites.

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Cryptosporidiosis

A parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. It is spread through contaminated water and causes diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Amebic dysentery

A severe form of amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica, characterized by bloody diarrhea and fever.

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Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis

Diagnosis involves examining stool samples for Cryptosporidium cysts or antigens using microscopy or an ELISA test.

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Study Notes

Protistan GI Infections

  • Protist infections impacting the GI tract are often transmitted via fecally-contaminated water.
  • Several supergroups of protozoa cause GI distress, including Apicomplexans, Amoebozoans, and Excavata (Diplomonads).

Cryptosporidium spp. (Apicomplexan)

  • Transmission: Consuming water contaminated with Cryptosporidium cysts.
  • Cyst survival: Cysts can persist in water for days to weeks.
  • Infection sources: Commonly found in water parks, municipal water systems.
  • Resistance: Resistant to chlorine.
  • Symptoms: Watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss, dehydration (2-10 days post-infection).
  • Severity: More severe in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Diagnosis: Stool examination for cysts (acid-fast stain) or antigens (ELISA).

Entamoeba histolytica (Amoebozoan)

  • Transmission: Ingestion of cysts from contaminated water or soil.
  • Cyst survival: Cysts can survive in soil or water for several weeks to months.
  • Symptoms: Loose stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue (mild); severe infections (amoebic dysentery) include bloody diarrhea and fever (1-2 weeks, but can take longer post-infection).
  • Typical Infections: 10-20% express typical symptoms.
  • Diagnosis: Microscopical analysis of stool samples for trophozoites (ingested red blood cells); distinguish E. histolytica from non-pathogenic Entamoeba coli.

Giardia intestinalis (Excavata, Diplomonad)

  • Transmission: Ingestion of Giardia cysts shed in the feces of infected animals from contaminated water (often from natural water sources).
  • Cyst Survival: Cysts can survive in cold water for up to three months.
  • Symptoms: Loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach cramps, upset, projectile vomiting, excessive gas, lactose intolerance (1-3 weeks post-exposure).
  • Prevalence: Common intestinal parasite in the US, often asymptomatic.
  • Diagnosis: Stool examination for trophozoites and cysts.

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