Beaver Fever is caused by which organism?

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Multiple Choice

Beaver Fever is caused by which organism?

Beaver Fever refers to giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia. This parasite forms hardy cysts that can contaminate water. When people drink untreated or contaminated water and ingest these cysts, Giardia colonizes the small intestine, leading to prolonged, greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea along with cramps and bloating. The nickname comes from beavers and other wildlife that can shed Giardia cysts into water sources, making outdoor water exposure a common risk. The other organisms cause different illnesses—Entamoeba histolytica causes dysentery, Naegleria fowleri causes a rare brain infection, and Cryptosporidium parvum causes cryptosporidiosis—so the one most classically linked to the nickname Beaver Fever is Giardia lamblia.

Beaver Fever refers to giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia. This parasite forms hardy cysts that can contaminate water. When people drink untreated or contaminated water and ingest these cysts, Giardia colonizes the small intestine, leading to prolonged, greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea along with cramps and bloating. The nickname comes from beavers and other wildlife that can shed Giardia cysts into water sources, making outdoor water exposure a common risk. The other organisms cause different illnesses—Entamoeba histolytica causes dysentery, Naegleria fowleri causes a rare brain infection, and Cryptosporidium parvum causes cryptosporidiosis—so the one most classically linked to the nickname Beaver Fever is Giardia lamblia.

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