The pathophysiology of giardiasis is multifactorial, but villous atrophy is the central anatomical lesion leading to malabsorption. When Giardia trophozoites attach via their sucking disc, they trigger a host immune response (T-cell mediated) that results in flattening and shortening of the intestinal villi. Villi are finger-like projections that massively increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Their atrophy reduces this area by up to 50%. Furthermore, the brush border enzymes (like lactase, sucrase, and maltase) located on the microvilli of the enterocytes are damaged or lost. This combination—reduced absorptive surface and deficiency of digestive enzymes—leads to the malabsorption of carbohydrates, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins. Unabsorbed nutrients in the lumen create an osmotic load, drawing water into the intestine and resulting in the characteristic steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling diarrhea) and weight loss.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

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