Which parasite is listed as a cause of enteropathic arthropathies?

• A. Giardia lamblia
• B. Plasmodium vivax
• C. Leishmania donovani
• D. Toxoplasma gondii

Answer: (A)

Enteropathic arthropathies are inflammatory joint diseases that occur in the setting of intestinal infection or inflammatory bowel disease. Some gut pathogens can trigger a reactive arthritis-nearby inflammatory response in the joints after an intestinal infection. Giardia lamblia is a GI parasite that causes giardiasis and can provoke intestinal inflammation; in the context of rheumatology knowledge, it’s recognized as a potential trigger for enteric/reactive arthritis. The other parasites listed—malaria-causing Plasmodium vivax, visceral leishmaniasis from Leishmania donovani, and Toxoplasma gondii—do not typically appear as causes of enteropathic arthritis. Thus, Giardia lamblia best fits the concept of an enteric infection linked to arthropathy.