True. 'Failure to thrive' (FTT) is a term used in pediatrics to describe a child whose weight or rate of weight gain is significantly below that of other children of the same age and sex. Chronic or recurrent giardiasis is a well-known infectious cause of FTT, especially in settings with poor sanitation. The mechanisms are multifactorial: 1) Malabsorption: Villous atrophy leads to poor absorption of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. 2) Anorexia: The infection often causes nausea and loss of appetite, reducing caloric intake. 3) Nutrient Loss: Chronic diarrhea leads to direct loss of nutrients and electrolytes. This combination of reduced intake, malabsorption, and increased losses can lead to significant caloric and protein deficits during critical periods of growth and development. This can result in both weight faltering and linear growth stunting. Therefore, in a child presenting with FTT and chronic diarrhea, giardiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies