One of the intestinal enzymes that is generally deficient in children following an attack of severe infectious enteritis is?: (A) Lactase, (B) Trypsin, (C) Lipase, (D) Amylase
Answer is A. Because Lactase activity in mucosa is marginal, it is likely to be depleted secondary to diffuse mucosal disease Causes of Acquired Lactase deficiency Acute Infective enteritis: Viral or Bacterial gastroenteritis Cystic fibrosis Protein energy malnutrition Cow's milk protein intolerance Prolonged use of drugs like Neomycin