Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
November 10th, 2012.
A group of young college students join for a fun day at the pool, unaware
Girl: I don't think he can swim! Boy: OH NOO!!
Girl: Come on guys, let's help him!
What the students don't know is that the water itself is not the only hazard to this unsuspecting
victim.
Giardia Lamblia can survives for weeks to months in water in its cyst stage and is highly
resistant to water treatment methods such as chlorination and ozonolysis.
The cyst remains inactive until ingested by a host.
The parasite enters our unfortunate host orally and then travels to his small intestine.
The cyst emerges from its dormant phase in a process known as excystation into its active
stage called the trophozoite. The trophozoites are the growing stage of sporozoan parasites
that colonize the gut and feed on the host's mucus secretions.
The trophozoites then undergo longitudinal binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.
After which, the Giardia travels down to the host's small intestine and into the colon.
In the colon, the trophozoites undergo encystation, and produce the now infectious cyst that is
excreted in the feces.
This student is suffering from nausea, one of the many manifestations of a Giardia lamblia
infection. The vomiting induced by this type of protozoa has been previously described
as violent and unforgiving.
(Farting sounds)
The infection causes the host to experience flatulence producing a strong, pungent, smell.
UUUHHHHHHGGGGG (Coughing and gagging)
Girl: Dude! Seriously!?
Dude, do you remember that pool, like two weeks ago.
Yeah man.
I've been dropping mad loads, dude. Like, crazy.
Great. Women's? Alright.
Narrator: The symptom is caused by the Giardia lamblia coating the host's mucus membrane
cells which inhibits nutrition absorption resulting in explosive diarrhea. Blood and
mucus may be present in the feces of the infected host.
OOOOHHHH!!!
GROSS!!
Dude, you really need to get that checked out.
Tests for the diagnosis of Giardiasis includes antigen testing in which a small sample of
stool is examined for Giardial proteins. It can also be diagnosed by a fecal examination
under a microscope.
Is there a Mike Shartz? A Mike Shartz.
Right here.
Hello. How're you doing today?
Fantastic.
Okay, well, your results came back from your fecal examination and it looks as if you have
a severe case of Giardiasis.
G-r-iassess?
Yes, Giardiasis. It is also known as beaver fever.
Beaver fever!? Am I going to die?
No, you're not going to die. You might be in discomfort for a while but, um, I'm going
to have you on a prescription of Metronidazole and all you're going to do is be on that for
7 to 10 days and I'm going to need you to drink lots of water, lots of fluids in your
system, stay out of the water, no more dirty water. That's how you get it, it's a protozoan.
And just take that prescription and you should be okay. You will have a lot of discomfort
in the mean time, but overall, you'll be fine.
Good, good news, doc.
No problem. Have a great day.
So, ladies and gentlemen, please be careful not to end up like Mike Shartz. Prevention
is possible. Be aware of the conditions of the water you come into contact with. Purify
all drinking water, or filter it. Please be aware of the conditions of the large bodies
of water you come into contact with. Keep your mouth closed in pools, lakes, rivers,
etc. Avoid eating contaminated food. Wash all produce with uncontaminated water before
consumption. Always be careful to stay away from unsanitary conditions. Thoroughly clean
areas where sick pets, or people may have been. Be aware of possible contact with fecal
matter. Be sure to frequently wash your hands with soap and water and most important of
all, never forget to practice good hygiene at all times. Good luck, guys.