**8.3 Pathogenesis**

The pathogenesis of giardiasis is similar to cryptosporidiosis. The parasite cause diffuse injure to the small intestinal mucosal surface. Giardia infection cause a reduction in the height of the villus and microvillus, and loss of the absorptive surface area throughout the small intestine. If disease occur in animals, it is believed to result from nutrient malabsorption and due to diarrhea.
