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Trophozoites adhere to host epithelial cells via a specialized disk-shaped organelle called the ventral disk. [14] Cysts are oval-shaped cells slightly smaller than trophozoites. [15] They lack flagella, and are covered by a smooth, clear cyst wall. [15] Each cyst contains four nuclei and fragments of the ventral disc. [15]
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia and G. intestinalis). [3] Infected individuals who experience symptoms (about 10% have no symptoms) may have diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. [1] Less common symptoms include vomiting and blood in the stool. [1]
About 40 species have been described, but most of them are probably synonyms. [11] Currently, five to six morphologically distinct species are recognised. [12] Giardia duodenalis (=G. intestinalis, =G. lamblia) infect humans and other mammals, G. microti infects voles, G. muris is found in other mammals, G. ardeae and G. psittaci in birds, and G. agilis in amphibians. [4]
Giardiasis: Giardia lamblia: lumen of the small intestine: stool worldwide? ingestion of water containing deer or beaver feces Isosporiasis: Isospora belli: epithelial cells of small intestines: stool worldwide – less common than Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium: fecal oral route – ingestion of sporulated oocyst Leishmaniasis: Leishmania spp.
Giardiasis is a disease of the small intestine caused by a protist parasite Giardia lamblia. This does not spread but remains confined to the lumen of the small intestine. [47] It can often be asymptomatic, but as often can be indicated by a variety of symptoms. Giardiasis is the most common pathogenic parasitic infection in humans. [48]
However, researchers found G. duodenalis to have a core set of genes that function in meiosis and that are widely present among sexual eukaryotes. [5] These results suggested that Giardia duodenalis is capable of meiosis and thus sexual reproduction.
Gastrointestinal conditions include inflammation of the small and/or large intestine, diarrhea/dysentery, abdominal pains, and nausea/vomiting. These symptoms negatively impact nutritional status, including decreased absorption of micronutrients, loss of appetite, weight loss, and intestinal blood loss that can often result in anemia.
The gut-associated lymphoid tissue lies throughout the intestine, covering an area of approximately 260–300 m 2. [5] In order to increase the surface area for absorption, the intestinal mucosa is made up of finger-like projections (), covered by a monolayer of epithelial cells, which separates the GALT from the lumen intestine and its contents.