What is the Difference Between Amoebiasis and Giardiasis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Amoebiasis and giardiasis are both intestinal diseases caused by parasitic protozoa, but they differ in the causative organisms, affected areas of the gastrointestinal tract, and modes of transmission. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Causative organisms: Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, while giardiasis is caused by Giardia lamblia (also known as G. duodenalis and G. intestinalis).
- Affected areas: Amoebiasis is a lower gastrointestinal tract infection, affecting the colon wall. Giardiasis, on the other hand, is an upper gastrointestinal tract infection, affecting the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
- Transmission: Both amoebiasis and giardiasis are transmitted through the oral-fecal route, via the ingestion of cysts or oocysts. However, amoebiasis can also be transmitted sexually.
- Symptoms: Amoebiasis can cause diarrhea, constipation, belly cramps, and flatulence. Giardiasis typically manifests as mild nutrient malabsorption and intestinal uneasiness, but can progress to more acute stages with fatty stool, explosive diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia.
Both diseases are more prevalent in developing and low-income countries, and proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Comparative Table: Amoebiasis vs Giardiasis
Here is a table comparing the differences between Amoebiasis and Giardiasis:
Feature | Amoebiasis | Giardiasis |
---|---|---|
Causative Organism | Entamoeba histolytica | Giardia lamblia (also known as G. duodenalis) |
Disease Type | Lower gastrointestinal tract infection | Upper gastrointestinal tract infection |
Organ System | Colon wall, may disseminate to other organs | Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum |
Transmission | Ingestion of cysts or oocysts via oral-fecal route | Ingestion of cysts via oral-fecal route |
Prevalence | Estimated 480 million people globally infected | Estimated 280 million people worldwide infected |
Symptoms | Diarrhea, constipation, belly cramps, flatulence | Mild nutrient malabsorption, intestinal discomfort, to acute stages with fatty stool, explosive diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia |
Both Amoebiasis and Giardiasis are gastrointestinal tract diseases caused by parasitic protozoa. They occur through the ingestion of infective stages of pathogens, such as cysts or oocysts, and transmit through the oral-fecal route. However, Amoebiasis is a lower gastrointestinal tract infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, while Giardiasis is an upper gastrointestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia.
- Giardia Lamblia vs Entamoeba Histolytica
- Amoebic Dysentery vs Bacillary Dysentery
- Giardia vs Trichomonas
- Coccidia vs Giardia
- Amoeba vs Entamoeba
- Cryptosporidium vs Giardia
- Entamoeba Histolytica vs Entamoeba Dispar
- Escherichia coli vs Entamoeba coli
- WBC vs Amoeba
- Diarrhea vs Gastroenteritis
- Eimeria vs Isospora
- Amoeba vs Paramecium
- Gastritis vs Gastroenteritis
- Cryptosporidium vs Cyclospora
- Candidiasis vs Gonorrhea
- Diarrhea vs Dysentery
- Protozoa vs Bacteria
- Viral vs Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Norovirus vs Gastroenteritis