Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the protist parasite Giardia. The parasite is easily transmitted through contaminated water supplies, and it is the most common human intestinal parasite in the United States.

Giardiasis

*Giardia lamblia* (also known as *G. intestinalis* or *G. duodenalis*) is a widespread flagellated protozoan pathogen within the Fornicata subgroup that lacks mitochondria and causes diarrheal illness (giardiasis). It is transmitted through fecal-contaminated water supplies, where it spreads via environmentally resistant cysts.

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A kingdom made up of single-celled eukaryotes that consume organic matter. Members of this kingdom are not believed to all share a common ancestor, but instead share ancestors with members of the Fungi, Animalia and Chromista kingdoms.

Protozoa (Kingdom)

Fornicata is a subgroup of the Excavata supergroup whose members form cysts, possess a pair of equal nuclei, lack mitochondria, are often parasitic, and have four free flagella.

Fornicata

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Historically, protists have been informally categorized into three distinct groups based on their characteristics: the animal-like protozoans, the plant-like algae, and the fungus-like protists (such as water molds).

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