Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a flagellated Giardia lamblia protozoan parasite.
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a flagellated Giardia lamblia protozoan parasite. G. lamblia is the organism responsible for causing the diarrheal disease "giardiasis". Once an animal or person has been infected with this protozoan, the parasite lives in the intestine, and is passed in the stool. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body, and in the environment for long periods of time. Cysts are resistant forms and are responsible for transmission of giardiasis. Both cysts and trophozoites can be found in the feces (diagnostic stages). The cysts are hardy and can survive several months in cold water. Infection occurs by the ingestion of cysts in contaminated water, food, or by the fecal-oral route (hands or fomites). In the small intestine, excystation releases trophozoites (each cyst produces two trophozoites). Trophozoites multiply by longitudinal binary fission, remaining in the lumen of the proximal small bowel where they can be fre
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Photo credit: © Scott Camazine / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: diarrhea, giardia, giardiasis, illness, infection, intestines, magnification, pensiveness, protozoa, sem, vertical
