Giardia lamblia Flashcards
Which family does G. Lamlia belong to?
Hexamitidae
Is G. Lamlia zoonitic?
Yes
What are some G. Lamblia hosts?
Beavers, Dogs, Cattle, Sheep
How is G. lamblia transmitted?
Fecal-oral - > Ingestion of cysts;
Ingestion of cysts from contaminated water
What is a trophozoite?
A growing stage in the life cycle of some sporozoan parasites, when they are absorbing nutrients from the host.
What is the site where G. lamblia trophozites are found?
Upper part of small intestines (Duodenum)
How does G. lamblia trophozites multiply?
binary fission
What is the epidemiology of G. lamblia?
Worldwide distribution with prevalence reaching 20% in some areas
What are the symptoms of G. lamblia?
- NO FEVER
- mild to severe diarrhea
- flatulence
- Sulphorous belching
- anorexia
- crampy abdominal pains and epigastric tenderness
- Mild to severe malabsorption syndrome
How is severe giardiasis characterized?
Production of light colored fatty stool.
Does villus atrophy occur with severe giardiasis?
Yes
How is G. lamblia diagnosed?
Direct: Cysts in stool. (10-36 days prior to
infection)
Indirect: theraputic trials - experiment with drugs
What is the treatment used for Giardia lamblia?
Quinacrine hydrochloride (Atabrine)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Tinidazole (Tindamax) USA
How can G. lamblia be controled/prevented?
- Boiling or iodiniation of water before consumption.
- good hygiene
- cooking vegetables
- proper sanitation
- safe, piped water supply
- No night soil fertilization
What are some other names for G. lamblia?
G. Intestinalis; G. duodenale
