Definition of giardia
: any of a genus (Giardia) of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans
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Recent Examples of giardia from the Web
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About 5 of every 100,000 Californians contract a giardia infection each year, according to the most recent surveillance report from the California Department of Public Health.
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Wilderness water can contain disease-causing agents such as giardia, E. coli and salmonella.
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Water systems must test for and treat harmful waterborne pathogens such as giardia and cryptosporidium parasites that can cause intestinal distress.
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In Sweden, lakes and streams previously used for drinking water are now contaminated with the parasite that causes giardia, the human intestinal illness.
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Lab results showed dogs that visit dog parks were more likely to test positive for two common parasites (giardia and cryptosporidium) than non-dog park-attending dogs.
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Origin and Etymology of giardia
New Latin, from Alfred M. Giard †1908 French biologist
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of giardia
1 capitalized : a genus of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans
2: any flagellate of the genus Giardia
Biographical Note for giardia
Giard
\zhē-är\play , Alfred Mathieu
(1846–1908), French biologist. Giard was an all-around naturalist. He was a student of morphology, phylogeny, and ethology and a supporter of both Darwinism and Lamarckism. He investigated a wide range of topics in biology, including regeneration, sexuality, metamorphosis, experimental parthenogenesis, hybridization, autotomy, and mimicry. The genus Giardia was named in his honor in 1882 by Johann Kunstler.
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