Which one of the following is the most accurate statement regarding giardiasis?
Which one of the following is the most accurate statement regarding giardiasis?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
Giardia lamblia: site of infection and pathogenesis:Giardia lamblia (also G. intestinalis or G. duodenalis) is a flagellated protozoan parasite:• Site of infection: SMALL INTESTINE (duodenum and jejunum)• Attachment: Giardia trophozoites attach to intestinal epithelium via a ventral adhesive disc.• Pathogenesis:- Disrupts brush border microvilli → reduces absorptive surface area- Decreases disaccharidase activity (lactase, etc.) → osmotic diarrhea- Inhibits lipase activity → steatorrhea (fat malabsorption), bloating• Clinical features: Profuse watery diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal cramps, weight loss.• Transmission: Fecal-oral route via contaminated water or food (cysts are infectious).Contrast with E. histolytica (large intestine) and Cryptosporidium (small intestine but different pathogenesis).Answer: Giardia infects the small intestine, causing malabsorption of fats and proteins.