Flagellates

Most flagellates are free-living but most intestinal flagellates are non-pathogenic for man. Although flagellates are characteristic for member of this group, they are not always visible under the microscope.

Unlike the amoebae, most flagellates move by floggingof flagella which allows it to "swim" move about in fluid environments. Diseases caused by flagellates are mainly due to inflammation and mechanical irritation.

 

 

Extracted from: Essentials of Human Parasitology

Giardia Lamblia

(causes Giardiasis)

 

 Extracted from: Essentials of Human Parasitology

 

Physiology and Structure:

Its life cycle consists of 2 stages - the trophozite and cyst. The trophozoite is a pear-shaped with 2 nuclei, 4 pairs of flagella, and a suction dish whereby it attaches to the intestinal wall. The oval cyst is thick-walled with 4 nuclei and a Giardia that appears as a face of a man under the microscope.

taken from: https://www.smittskyddsinstitutet.se/diagnostik/urdjur/giardia-intestinalis/?sid=36

Life Cycle:

 

 

Extracted from: Essentials of Human Parasitology

 

 

Caused by:

Giardia is caused by ingestion of the cyst found in contaminated food and water.

Contaminated water; chlorination does not kill the cysts but filtration removes them. Hikers who drink untreated stream water are frequently affected.

 

What effect it has on humans:

The trophozoite attaches to the gut wall but does not invade; instead it causes inflammation of the first part of the small intestine which leads to malabosorption of protein and fat.

 

Treatment, Prevention and Control:

 

 

We do not take credit for any of the information found in this website. All the information is obtained from various forms of literature.

Parasite is defined as an organism that derives its nutrients from another living organism, the host. Parasitic diseases are usually referred to those caused by protozoa, helminths and arthropods which love at the expense of their host. Successful parasites are the ones who are able to maintain their own life processes without killing their host.

Several ways to distinguish parasites infection and bacteria/viruses infection:

  1. Parasites have a complex life cycle that involves the formation of resistant cyst in the organism. (it can usually survive for long periods outside the host.)
  2. Life cycle might involve an insect vector (carrier) that is important for the transmission of disease. In most cases, it is impossible to eliminate the vector effectively.
  3. Some parasites are capable of infecting both humans and animals, thus both can act as reservoirs for the infection. This is true for most protozal infections carried by insects.
  4. Many parasites has life cycle that requires enough time to allow for the various stages to mature, either in soil or in an insect or host.