Cengage Microbiology Practice Test

Which statement best describes Giardia lamblia and its transmission and disease?

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite transmitted by eating contaminated meat and causes giardiasis. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite causing giardiasis; transmitted via cysts in contaminated water; symptoms include dermatitis. Giardia lamblia is a bacterium causing giardiasis. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite transmitted via cysts in contaminated SAMPLEwater; causes diarrhea and malabsorption.

Correct Answer:

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite transmitted via cysts in contaminated SAMPLEwater; causes diarrhea and malabsorption.

Explanation:

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, with transmission mainly through cysts in contaminated water entering the body via the fecal-oral route. Once ingested, cysts release trophozoites in the small intestine, leading to irritation and impaired absorption. The typical symptoms are diarrhea and malabsorption, often with greasy, foul-smelling stools, abdominal cramps, and bloating, which reflect the parasite’s effect on the intestinal lining. This combination—protozoan parasite, waterborne cyst transmission, and diarrhea/malabsorption—is why this option is the best match. It’s not a bacterium, it isn’t primarily transmitted by eating meat, and dermatitis is not a characteristic symptom of giardiasis.

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