What type of organism is responsible for causing Giardiasis?

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a protozoan parasite known as Giardia lamblia (also referred to as Giardia intestinalis). This organism is characterized by its flagella, which allow it to move and attach to the intestinal lining of the host, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. The lifecycle of Giardia includes both cysts, which can survive outside the host and contaminate water sources, and trophozoites, which are the active form that resides in the intestines.

In contrast, bacteria, viruses, and fungi are distinct categories of organisms that do not cause giardiasis. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause various infections, viruses are much smaller infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate, and fungi are a separate group of eukaryotic organisms, which also do not include the protozoan responsible for giardiasis. Understanding the specific type of organism responsible for giardiasis is essential for effective treatment and prevention strategies.