Effect of giardiasis combined with low-protein diet on intestinal absorption of glucose and electrolytes in gerbils

[Display omitted] ► Gut absorption in giardiasis combined with low-protein diet was evaluated in gerbils. ► The glucose absorption was not significantly affected by diet or infection. ► Sodium and potassium uptake increased in infected group. ► Increased uptake suggests a compensatory mechanism to diarrhea caused by giardiasis. Studies have shown that symptomatic infection by Giardia lamblia causes acute or chronic diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain and malabsorption, leading to undernutrition and weight loss. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of giardiasis and its combination with a low-protein diet on the intestinal absorption of glucose and electrolytes in gerbils. The intestinal absorption of glucose, sodium and potassium was investigated in male gerbils weighing 46–64g (n⩾5). A Tyrode solution containing twice the glucose, sodium and potassium concentration (pH 7.4) was infused through the intestinal loops for 40min. Glucose absorption was not significantly affected by diet and infection. However, there was a significant increase in sodium absorption in the Giardia-infected group (57.2±6.1, p