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</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method is primarily used to diagnose giardiasis?

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

    What makes the nuclei of Giardia intestinalis prominent?

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

    What is a key feature of Diplomonads like Giardia?

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

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

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

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

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

    Which statement about Entamoeba histolytica is true?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Infections caused by Giardia intestinalis are rarely asymptomatic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Giardia intestinalis is classified under the supergroup Amoebozoa.

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

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

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

    Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasite in the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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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    Description

    Test your knowledge on protistan infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract, focusing on key organisms like Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba histolytica. Learn about their transmission, symptoms, and diagnosis methods through this informative quiz.

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