Giardia lamblia er en protozoisk parasitt som forårsaker giardiasis, en tarminfeksjon preget av diaré og fordøyelsesubehag. Den er kjent for sin motstandskraft og kan overleve i tøffe miljøer, spesielt forurenset vann, noe som gjør den til en vanlig årsak til vannbårne utbrudd.
Giardia lamblia is a flagellated, microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. It exists in two forms: the trophozoite, which is active inside the host, and the cyst, which is the infectious form that survives outside the host. Giardiasis, the disease caused by Giardia, can range from asymptomatic to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Giardia lamblia is primarily transmitted through contaminated water. It can also spread through direct person-to-person contact, especially in settings like daycare centers, or through contaminated food. The cysts of Giardia are particularly hardy and can survive in cold water for long periods, leading to their spread in various aquatic environments.