Diplomonad tree (5)

Description(1):

• A flagellated, microaerophilic microorganism
• Member of Excavata(4)
• A diplomonad(4)
• Pear-shaped and has two identical nuclei, a ventral disc for adhesion to the host intestine, and flagella
  
• Infect human, mammals, reptiles, and birds, cows, sheeps and pigs
  
• The cyst is highly resist against chlorination and ozonolysis
• Giardiasis is the clinical manifestation of G. lamblia infection; characterized by severe diarrhea, malnutrition weight loss, and slight intestinal epithelial injury
  

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pic (6)

Habitat(1):

• Can survive in cold water between 4~8 degrees Celsius
  
• Often found in contaminated water and feces of infected individual
• The trophozoite form is the vegetative form of G. lamblia, and is found in the small intestine of infected individuals; may also be found in their feces

Nutrition(1):

• Are microaerophilic
• Lack mitochondria
• Rely on cytochrome-mediated oxidative phosphorylation
• Can perform aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on environmental oxygen concentration; predominately rely on fermentation
• Carry out fermentation even in the presence of oxygen
  

Reproduction(1):

• G. lamblia life cycle consists of two stages: the cyst and trophozoites
  
• The cyst is the reproductive form, and consists of a protective cyst wall as well as four nuclei
  

Giardia life cycle (2)

Conservation Status(1):

• Widespread, not endangered

Interesting Facts(1):

• First discovered by Van Leeuwenhoek in 1681, who found it in his own diarrheal stool