30 Questions
What is the subphylum of the parasitic flagellate Giardia lamblia?
Mastigophora
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the trophozoite of Giardia lamblia?
Has a concave dorsal surface
What is the primary function of the flagella in Giardia lamblia?
To aid in movement
What is the name of the disease caused by Giardia lamblia?
Giardiasis
What is the typical location of Giardia lamblia in the host?
Upper duodenum
What is the shape of the trophozoite of Giardia lamblia?
Pyriform
What is the average duration of symptoms of Giardiasis?
3-10 weeks
How many cysts are required to cause clinical disease in 8 out of 10 subjects?
10-25 cysts
What is the route of transmission of Giardiasis?
Faecal-oral
What is the incubation period of Giardiasis?
1-2 weeks
What is the result of ingesting more than 25 cysts of Giardiasis?
100% infection rate
How do trophozoites adhere to enterocytes?
By ventral suckers
What is the approximate length of the cyst of Giardia?
8 – 12µm
What is the function of the axostyle in the cyst of Giardia?
Provides internal support
How do the trophozoites of Giardia evade host antibodies?
By producing at least 12 variable surface proteins
What is the estimated number of new Giardiasis infections acquired annually in the USA?
Two million
What is the purpose of filtration in the drinking water supply?
To remove Giardia cysts
What is the function of the sucker-like organelles in the trophozoites of Giardia?
To attach to the intestinal mucosa
What is the characteristic of the malabsorption syndrome caused by this pathogenic organism?
Steatorrhoea
Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic method for this organism?
Blood culture
What is the purpose of the Entero test (string test)?
To collect bile-stained mucus from the duodenum
What is the advantage of using an IgA-based ELISA?
It can detect specific antibodies in saliva
Why may trophozoites or cysts be difficult to find in chronic infections?
They are sparse in the stool
What is the purpose of the ZnSO4 floatation method?
To concentrate cysts in the stool
What is the contraindication of Metronidazole in the treatment of Giardiasis?
In early pregnancy
What is the primary mode of transmission of Giardiasis?
Contaminated food and water
What is the significance of mountain streams in relation to Giardiasis?
They are a common site of transmission
What is the purpose of adding Iodine tablets to drinking water in the prevention of Giardiasis?
To disinfect the water
Why is personal hygiene important in the prevention of Giardiasis?
To reduce the risk of transmission through contaminated food and water
What is the prognosis of Giardiasis in general?
Excellent, with most cases being self-limited
This quiz covers the parasitic flagellate Giardia lamblia, its taxonomy, and the diseases it causes. It is part of the University of Zambia School of Medicine's 4th Year MBChB curriculum.
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