🦠microbiology review

key term - Giardia lamblia

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Definition

Giardia lamblia is a unicellular eukaryotic parasite that causes giardiasis, a common gastrointestinal infection. It primarily inhabits the small intestine of humans and other mammals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Giardia lamblia has two life stages: the cyst and the trophozoite.
  2. The infection is often transmitted through contaminated water or food.
  3. It attaches to the intestinal wall using a ventral sucking disk.
  4. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
  5. Diagnosis typically involves stool sample analysis to identify cysts or trophozoites.

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