Giardia intestinalis (lamblia)

Question 1

What type of pathogen is Giardia intestinalis (lamblia)?

Answer 1

Protozoan

Question 2

Where does Giardia intestinalis (lamblia) reside?

Answer 2

Intestines of wild/domestic mammals
Humans
Zoonotic: spread between people and animals

Question 3

What is the most common disease/infection of Giardia intestinalis (lamblia)?

Answer 3

Giardiasis = gastroenteritis (travelers diarrhea)

Question 4

What is the portal of entry for Giardia intestinalis (lamblia)?

Answer 4

Mouth by ingesting cysts of contaminated h2o
Fecal

Question 5

What is the pathogenesis of Giardia intestinalis (lamblia)?

Answer 5

Adhesive disk: attaches to intestinal cells

Question 6

Can Giardia intestinalis (lamblia) be treated with antibiotics?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Is Giardia intestinalis (lamblia) a bad pathogen?

Answer 7

Most common waterborne disease
Found in backcountry streams, lakes, water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas, wells