A 16-year-old man who recently returned from camping in Canada presents with fatty diarrhea and acute abdominal pain following many meals. How does the most likely agent cause the diarrhea?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this case, Giardia lamblia is the causative agent. G. lamblia is carried by muskrats and beavers, which is why it can be picked up in pristine northern lakes, such as those found in Canada. Attachment of numerous Giardia via their ventral sucking disks in the duodenal-jejunal area leads to malabsorption diarrhea and temporary lactose intolerance.

A 16-Year-Old Man Who Recently Returned from Camping in Canada