Where is Giardia lamblia commonly found?

Where is Giardia lamblia commonly found?

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. Ground and surface water can become infected with giardia from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal feces.

Where does the Giardia parasite live?

Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestines and is passed in stool (poop). Once outside the body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or even months.

How do Giardia lamblia survive?

Giardia is protected by an outer shell called a cyst that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it somewhat tolerant to chlorine disinfection.

What is the reservoir for Giardia lamblia?

In the environment, major reservoirs of the parasite are contaminated surface waters. Infected individuals can remain without symptoms or (three to 25 or more days later) develop either acute or chronic diarrhoea.

What is the epidemiology of Giardia lamblia?

Prevalence rates for giardiasis are generally reported to be 2 to 7 percent in developed countries [4]. Worldwide, G. lamblia is the third most common agent of diarrheal disease in children <5 (after rotavirus and Cryptosporidium spp); >300 million cases are reported annually [5].

How long Giardia live on surfaces?

o At room temperature (around 25°C/77°F), Giardia can survive for approximately 1 week (7 days). o In a dry, warm environment that experiences direct sunlight, Giardia can survive for only a few days 8,9.

How does Giardia lamblia obtain energy?

Cells of the aerotolerant anaerobe Giardia lamblia respire in the presence of oxygen. Endogenous respiration is stimulated by glucose but not by other carbohydrates and Krebs cycle intermediates. The enzymes of energy and carbohydrate metabolism are nonsedimentable (109 000 x g for 30 min).

How does the Giardia lamblia reproduce?

Giardia reproduce by binary fission and must be attached to a surface for this to occur. Giardia’s main food source, glucose, is obtained by a process of diffusion or by pinocytosis. Like amoebae, they are aerotolerant anaerobes and require a reducing environment. Food reserves are stored in the form of glycogen.

Is Giardia lamblia a vector?

House fly (Musca domestica) as a transport vector of Giardia lamblia.

What causes Giardia lamblia?

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. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs.

How long can you have Giardia untreated?

Giardiasis is unpleasant, but it’s not usually dangerous. Once you begin the medicine, you can recover in about a week. If it’s left untreated, symptoms can last 6 weeks or more. As with any illness, complications can occur.

Where is giardiasis found in the world?

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia intestinalis . It is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the world. Giardia may be found in streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers, as well as in municipal water supplies, wells, swimming pools, cisterns, spas, and water parks.

What type of parasite is Giardia?

Giardia. Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia (also known as Giardia intestinalis , Giardia lamblia, or Giardia duodenalis) is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected humans or animals. Giardia is protected by an outer…

Can Giardia come back?

Sometimes, the symptoms of giardiasis might seem to resolve, only to come back again after several days or weeks. Giardiasis can cause weight loss and failure to absorb fat, lactose, vitamin A and vitamin B12 2,4,9-12.