Diarrhea
Type: Symptom
Definition
The frequent passage of loose, watery, and unformed bowel movements.
Clinical Details
The presence of Giardia trophozoites blunts intestinal microvilli and disrupts brush border enzymes, impairing fluid and nutrient absorption. This malabsorption draws water into the intestinal lumen osmotically, leading to voluminous, watery stools. It is the most prominent and debilitating symptom of the infection.