What disease does Giardia lamblia cause?

Parasites – Giardia Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs.

What are the stages of Giardia lamblia?

G. lamblia has two life stages: a motile, replicative trophozoite stage, in which the parasite survives in the small intestines of the host, and a nonreplicative cyst stage, in which the parasite survives in the environment.

What is the function of Giardia lamblia?

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan pathogen causing gastrointestinal diseases in humans [1]. Infection is initiated by ingestion of a metabolically dormant and infective form, the cyst, which is converted into trophozoites in the small intestines of the hosts via excystation.

What is the best treatment for giardiasis?

Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. Don’t drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Where is Giardia lamblia found in the body?

Giardia parasites live in the intestines of people and animals. Before the microscopic parasites are passed in stool, they become encased within hard shells called cysts, which allows them to survive outside the intestines for months. Once inside a host, the cysts dissolve and the parasites are released.

Is Giardia a virus or bacteria?

“Giardia is not a “worm”, bacteria or virus.” Giardia is a simple one-celled parasitic species; it is not a “worm”, bacteria or virus. There are seven genotypes, A through G, with dogs being most commonly infected by C and D, cats with F, and humans most commonly infected with A and B.

Is giardiasis a virus or bacteria?

Giardiasis is a common illness caused by a parasite that may result in diarrhea and stomach cramps. The Giardia parasite can spread through contaminated water, food and surfaces, and from contact with someone who has it. Antibiotics can treat giardiasis.