What causes the malabsorption seen in Giardiasis?

In Giardiasis, the malabsorption occurs largely due to the presence of the Giardia lamblia parasite, which attaches to the intestinal mucosa using adhesive disks. These structures facilitate a strong adherence to the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining, leading to disruption of the normal absorptive function of the intestine.

The adhesive disks cause mechanical damage to the intestinal epithelium and interfere with the normal brush border enzyme activity, resulting in malabsorption. This can lead to the inability to properly absorb nutrients and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. The existence of the parasite in the intestines also fosters an inflammatory response, although the primary mechanism of malabsorption is directly related to the attachment and alteration of the intestinal surface caused by the adhesive disks.

While inflammation, excess mucus production, and impaired enzyme activity might play roles in the overall pathology of giardiasis and contribute to the clinical picture, they are not the primary causes of the malabsorption seen in this condition. Thus, the direct attachment mechanism through the adhesive disks is the key factor leading to malabsorption in Giardiasis.