Giardia Flashcards
What is G.lambia? What does it look like?
Flagellated enteric protozoan.
Is pear-shaped, has a sucking disk, 4pairs of flagella.
Causative organism of giardiasis?
Giardia lambia.
Who is giardiasis common in?
Children
Poor sanitation and hygiene
Outline the lifestyle of G.lambia.
Cysts ingested (acid resistant) > excyst in duodenum > multiply in S.I. > become cysts in colon
Clinical features of giardiasis ?
Mild Diarrhoea. (Stool = profuse and watery, later greasy)
Flatulence.
Mild abdominal cramps.
How can giardiasis be particularly detrimental to children?
Can cause chronic Diarrhoea > interfere with growth and development
How to diagnose giardiasis?
Look for Trophozoites and crysts in stool.
Duodenal aspirate.
How to treat giardiasis?
Metronidazole.
*all cases
How is G.lambia spread?
Faecal-oral route.
Do all people show symptoms to an E.histolytica infection?
No.
Some are asymptomatic.
