Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract in primary immunodeficiency syndromes (IDS) and in granulocyte dysfunction.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is frequently encountered in patients with defective defense mechanisms. The incidence of GI disease and the structure and function of the GI tract have been studied systematically in 41 patients with immunodeficiency syndromes (IDS) and in 9 patients with chronic granulomatous diesase (CGD). Giardia lamblia was a major cause of GI disease in patients with IDS. Eradication of the parasite resulted in disappearance of symptoms and malabsorption, and normalization of the villus architecture. Six of 9 patients with CGD had either GI symptoms or malabsorption or both. Typical histologic changes were found in the small intestinal and rectal mucosa of all patients biopsied.