Giardia lamblia

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Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia (pronounced: jee-AR-dee-uh LAM-blee-uh), also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, is a parasite that infects the small intestine of humans and other mammals.

Etymology

The name Giardia lamblia is derived from the French zoologist Alfred Mathieu Giard and the British physician William Thomas Lambie, who both made significant contributions to the study of this parasite.

Description

Giardia lamblia is a flagellate protozoan parasite. It exists in two forms: an active, motile trophozoite and an inactive, resistant cyst. The trophozoite is responsible for the symptoms of the disease, while the cyst is the form that is spread from host to host.

Disease

Infection with Giardia lamblia causes a disease known as giardiasis. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The disease is spread through the fecal-oral route, often by consuming contaminated water or food.

Treatment

Treatment for giardiasis typically involves antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole.

Related Terms

  • Protozoa: A group of single-celled organisms, including Giardia lamblia, that are capable of movement and live as parasites or free-living entities.
  • Parasitology: The study of parasites and their interactions with their hosts.
  • Zoonosis: Any disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, including giardiasis.

External links

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