Several friends returned from a backpacking trip in a nearby state forest area and began to experience bouts of abdominal cramping,flatulence,and severe diarrhea with greasy,fatty stools.What is the most likely cause?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with a Giardia infection, which is commonly contracted through contaminated water sources during outdoor activities such as backpacking. Amebic dysentery and cryptosporidiosis can also cause similar symptoms, but giardiasis is more commonly associated with outdoor activities. Toxoplasmosis typically does not cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Several Friends Returned from a Backpacking Trip in a Nearby