What are the characteristic features of Giardia?

Acute giardiasis develops after an incubation period of 1 to 14 days (average of 7 days) and usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. In chronic giardiasis the symptoms are recurrent and malabsorption and debilitation may occur.

What is giardiasis classification?

Giardia
Phylum:Metamonada
Order:Diplomonadida
Family:Hexamitidae
Subfamily:Giardiinae

What are the two morphological features of Giardia lamblia?

lamblia is pear-shaped and have unique morphology such as two identical nuclei, a ventral disc for adhesion to the host intestine, and flagella [see also #Trophozoite Structure]. The cyst is the reproductive form, and consists of a protective cyst wall as well as four nuclei.

What is the structure of Giardia?

Giardia lamblia has a characteristic tear-drop shape and measures 10-15 µm in length. It has twin nuclei and an adhesive disk which is a rigid structure reinforced by supelicular microtubules. There are two median bodies of unknown function, but their shape is important for differentiating between species.

Where is Giardia most common?

The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing unsafe (contaminated) water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas.

What are signs of Giardia in humans?

Giardia infection (giardiasis) can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, which include:
  • Diarrhea.
  • Gas.
  • Foul-smelling, greasy poop that can float.
  • Stomach cramps or pain.
  • Upset stomach or nausea.
  • Dehydration.

Is giardiasis a virus or bacteria?

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.

What type of pathogen is Giardia?

Causal Agent. Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan flagellate (Diplomonadida). This protozoan was initially named Cercomonas intestinalis by Lambl in 1859.

Is Entamoeba histolytica a classification?

The Tubulinea are a major grouping of Amoebozoa, including most of the more familiar amoebae genera like Amoeba, Arcella, Difflugia and Hartmannella.

Wikipedia

What type of microorganism is Giardia lamblia?

Giardia lamblia (syn. Giardia intestinalis, Giardia duodenalis) is a flagellated unicellular eukaryotic microorganism that commonly causes diarrheal disease throughout the world.

How does Giardia affect the body?

People exposed to Giardia may experience mild or severe diarrhea (loose stool/poop), gas, stomach cramps, nausea (a feeling of upset in the stomach), or dehydration (loss of water in the body causing weakness of dizziness). Some people experience no symptoms at all. Fever is rarely present.

What kills human Giardia?

If you have more severe parasite symptoms, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic with antiparasitic effect to kill the parasite. Giardia medications include: Metronidazole (Flagyl®). Tinidazole (Tindamax®).

Can Giardia live in cold water?

Giardia can survive for several months in cold water or soil.

What kills Giardia naturally?

No natural methods are proven to effectively cure Giardia. Metronidazole is a prescription medicine your vet can dispense which should work quickly and effectively. It is important to get on top of the infection as soon as we can.

What is the best treatment for Giardia?

Treatment
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. …
  • Tinidazole (Tindamax). Tinidazole works as well as metronidazole and has many of the same side effects, but it can be given in a single dose.
  • Nitazoxanide (Alinia).