Which microscopic parasite is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and causes giardiasis?

Which microscopic parasite is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and causes giardiasis?

• A. Hazard Analysis
• B. HACCP
• C. Giardia
• D. Food Hazards

Answer: (C)

Giardia lamblia is a microscopic protozoan parasite transmitted via the fecal-oral route, causing giardiasis. Infection happens when cysts shed in feces contaminate water or food and are ingested. The cysts are hardy in the environment, which is why contaminated water and poor sanitation are common sources. Inside the intestine, Giardia disrupts nutrient absorption, leading to prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and weight loss. Prevention centers on safe drinking water, good hand hygiene, and thorough washing of produce and utensils; treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole. The other choices refer to food-safety concepts or hazards rather than an organism, so they don’t explain the disease.

Giardia lamblia is a microscopic protozoan parasite transmitted via the fecal-oral route, causing giardiasis. Infection happens when cysts shed in feces contaminate water or food and are ingested. The cysts are hardy in the environment, which is why contaminated water and poor sanitation are common sources. Inside the intestine, Giardia disrupts nutrient absorption, leading to prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and weight loss. Prevention centers on safe drinking water, good hand hygiene, and thorough washing of produce and utensils; treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole. The other choices refer to food-safety concepts or hazards rather than an organism, so they don’t explain the disease.