Final answer:
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, contracted through contaminated food or water, and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. It impedes nutrient absorption and can cause malnutrition. Detection is through a stool sample, and treatments include antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causative organism of Giardiasis is a flagellate protozoan called Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis. This protozoan enters the body mainly through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected individual or animal. Once inside the host, Giardia attaches to the lining of the small intestine, which can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. While Giardia lamblia can reside in a body for up to six months, it can be detected through a stool sample and treated with antibiotics such as Flagyl.
Giardiasis is a type of gastroenteritis and can cause malnutrition due to its interference with nutrient absorption. Symptoms can vary; some people may be asymptomatic, while others experience severe diarrhea and nutrient absorption problems.
Known colloquially as backpacker's diarrhea or beaver fever, Giardiasis is common in the United States and relies on the protozoan’s ability to use a large adhesive disk comprised of microtubules for intestinal attachment, hindering the host's nutrient absorption.