Giardia Lamblia Infection and Immune Deficiencies

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Questions and Answers

What is a common gastrointestinal manifestation of Giardia lamblia infection?

Gastroesophageal reflux

Hemorrhage

Vomiting

Foul-smelling diarrhea (correct)

Which symptom of Giardia lamblia infection can last for weeks to months?

Nausea

Fatigue

Anorexia

Abdominal distention (correct)

What is a long-term consequence of untreated Giardia lamblia infection in children?

Growth retardation (correct)

Lactose intolerance

Steatorrhea

All of the above

What is a common consequence of brush border enzyme destruction in Giardia lamblia infection?

Steatorrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment of choice for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Giardia lamblia infection?

Either metronidazole or furazolidone Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in diagnosing Giardia lamblia infection?

Falsely negative stool specimens Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of bile acid deficiency?

Ileal resection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is characterized by the presence of microvillus inclusions in enterocytes?

Microvillus inclusion disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of Celiac disease?

Permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of Celiac disease?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of Giardia-induced diarrhea?

Infectious agent that lives in swimming pools Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of short bowel syndrome?

Reduced mucosal surface area Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of protein-losing enteropathy due to intestinal lymphangiectasia?

Edema Signup and view all the answers

What is a gastrointestinal manifestation of intestinal lymphangiectasia?

Malabsorption of fat and proteins Signup and view all the answers

Why are medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) used in the treatment of intestinal lymphangiectasia?

Because they are easily absorbed in the gut Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of secondary immunodeficiency in intestinal lymphangiectasia?

Loss of immunoglobulins in the gut Signup and view all the answers

What is the flagellated protozoan that causes diarrhea, especially in travelers to endemic areas?

Giardia lamblia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of fat malabsorption in intestinal lymphangiectasia?

Leakage of fat into the gut lumen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Giardiasis

Caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellated protozoan that can be found in contaminated water
Clinical manifestations: foul-smelling diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, abdominal cramps, bloating, belching, flatulence, and weight loss
Abdominal distension and cramps can last for weeks to months
Self-limited illness, lasting 2-6 weeks, but can become chronic
Chronic symptoms: fatigue, nervousness, weight loss, steatorrhea, lactose intolerance, and growth retardation
Diagnosis: identifying cysts in stool specimen, antigen detection tests, endoscopic examination of upper small intestine, mucosal biopsy, or jejunal contents collection
Treatment: furazolidone or metronidazole for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients

Intestinal Brush Border Disorders

Congenital causes: microvillus inclusion disease
Inflammatory causes: celiac disease, Crohn disease, tufting disease, postinfectious diarrhea
Autoimmune causes: autoimmune enteropathy
Enzyme deficiencies: primary lactase deficiency, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, glucose/galactose malabsorption

Conditions Leading to Bile Acid Deficiency

Chronic cholestasis
Bile acid pool depletion
Ileal resection

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Intestinal lymphangiectasia: characterized by dilatation of lymph vessels in the mucosa and submucosa
Causes: protein and fat malabsorption, edema, hypoproteinemia, low serum albumin and gammaglobulin levels
Treatment: lifelong dietary modification with high protein and low fat substituted with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)

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Description

This quiz covers the relationship between Giardia lamblia infection and immune deficiencies, including IgA deficiency and hypogammaglobulinemia. It explores the clinical manifestations of the infection, including gastrointestinal symptoms, and the potential for chronic illness. Test your knowledge of this important topic in immunology and microbiology.