The correct spelling of the protozoan parasite commonly known as Giardia is Lamblia intestinalis. The word is spelled with a silent "b" in honor of its discoverer, the Czech physician and parasitologist Vilem Lambl. The phonetic transcription of this word in the International Phonetic Alphabet is /læmˈbliə ˌɪntəsˈtaɪnəlɪs/. This tricky combination of consonants and vowels can be challenging to pronounce correctly, but learning the phonetic alphabet can help with accurate communication and understanding of scientific terms.
Lamblia intestinalis, also commonly referred to as Giardia lamblia, is a microscopic single-celled parasite that inhabits the human small intestine. It belongs to the genus Giardia, which consists of a diverse group of flagellated protozoan parasites.
Lamblia intestinalis is responsible for the intestinal infection called giardiasis or giardiosis. This parasitic infection is prevalent worldwide, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and inadequate water treatment facilities. The parasite is transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the cysts of Lamblia intestinalis. It can also spread through poor hygiene practices, such as improper hand washing after using the restroom.
The symptoms of giardiasis vary but often include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and weight loss. In severe cases, malabsorption of nutrients may occur, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Giardiasis is usually self-limiting, but it can become chronic and recurrent in some individuals, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Diagnosis of Lamblia intestinalis infection is typically made through the detection of the parasite's cysts or trophozoites in fecal samples. Treatment options for giardiasis include the use of medications, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, to eradicate the parasite.
Prevention of Lamblia intestinalis infection involves maintaining good personal hygiene and practicing proper food and water safety measures. This includes drinking clean, treated water, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, and avoiding the consumption of raw or uncooked food.
In conclusion, Lamblia intestinalis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that causes giardiasis, a common gastrointestinal infection affecting humans worldwide.
Cercomonas intestinalis, Megastoma entericum, a flagellate protozoan intestinal parasite found in the healthy duodenum and jejunum, apparently not pathogenic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Lamblia intestinalis" has an interesting etymology.
The term "Lamblia" is derived from the surname of the Czech physician Frantisek Josef Lambl who made significant contributions to the field of parasitology. In 1859, Lambl discovered and described the parasite which is now known as Giardia lamblia, a single-celled organism that can infect the human intestines. Over time, the scientific community dropped the genus name "Giardia" and started referring to the parasite as "Lamblia intestinalis" in honor of Lambl's discovery.
The term "intestinalis" comes from the Latin word "intestinalis", which means "related to the intestines". This name was chosen because Giardia lamblia primarily resides in the intestines of infected individuals.