Image of Giardia

Description:

Using a trichrome stain, this photomicrograph revealed the morphologic characteristics of a blue-stained Giardia intestinalis protozoa cyst (center). The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of cystic protozoa can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite; you cannot become infected through contact with blood.
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