University of Zambia School of Medicine: Giardia lamblia Parasitic Flagellate

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What is the subphylum of the parasitic flagellate Giardia lamblia?

Zoomastigophora

Mastigophora (correct)

Sarcomastigophora

Diplomonadina

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the trophozoite of Giardia lamblia?

Contains 4 pairs of flagella

Has a concave dorsal surface (correct)

Has a rigid cytoskeleton

Is bilaterally symmetrical

What is the primary function of the flagella in Giardia lamblia?

To aid in movement (correct)

To aid in nutrient uptake

To aid in attachment to host cells

To aid in reproduction

What is the name of the disease caused by Giardia lamblia?

Giardiasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical location of Giardia lamblia in the host?

Upper duodenum Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the trophozoite of Giardia lamblia?

Pyriform Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of symptoms of Giardiasis?

3-10 weeks Signup and view all the answers

How many cysts are required to cause clinical disease in 8 out of 10 subjects?

10-25 cysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the route of transmission of Giardiasis?

Faecal-oral Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period of Giardiasis?

1-2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of ingesting more than 25 cysts of Giardiasis?

100% infection rate Signup and view all the answers

How do trophozoites adhere to enterocytes?

By ventral suckers Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the cyst of Giardia?

8 – 12µm Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the axostyle in the cyst of Giardia?

Provides internal support Signup and view all the answers

How do the trophozoites of Giardia evade host antibodies?

By producing at least 12 variable surface proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of new Giardiasis infections acquired annually in the USA?

Two million Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of filtration in the drinking water supply?

To remove Giardia cysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sucker-like organelles in the trophozoites of Giardia?

To attach to the intestinal mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the malabsorption syndrome caused by this pathogenic organism?

Steatorrhoea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic method for this organism?

Blood culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Entero test (string test)?

To collect bile-stained mucus from the duodenum Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using an IgA-based ELISA?

It can detect specific antibodies in saliva Signup and view all the answers

Why may trophozoites or cysts be difficult to find in chronic infections?

They are sparse in the stool Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ZnSO4 floatation method?

To concentrate cysts in the stool Signup and view all the answers

What is the contraindication of Metronidazole in the treatment of Giardiasis?

In early pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission of Giardiasis?

Contaminated food and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mountain streams in relation to Giardiasis?

They are a common site of transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding Iodine tablets to drinking water in the prevention of Giardiasis?

To disinfect the water Signup and view all the answers

Why is personal hygiene important in the prevention of Giardiasis?

To reduce the risk of transmission through contaminated food and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis of Giardiasis in general?

Excellent, with most cases being self-limited Signup and view all the answers