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A genus of parasitic flagellates that parasitize the small intestine of many mammals, including most domestic animals and humans; e.g., G. bovis in cattle, G. canis in dogs, and G. cati in cats. Many species have been described, but recent workers have suggested that these should be reduced to only two or three. [Alfred Giard, Fr. biologist, 1846–1908]

- G. intestinalis SYN: G. lamblia.

- G. lamblia a flattened, heart-shaped organism (10–20 μm in length) with 8 flagella; it attaches itself to the intestinal mucosa by means of a pair of sucking organs; it is usually asymptomatic except in heavy infections, when it may interfere with absorption of fats and produce flatulence, steatorrhea, and acute discomfort; it is the common species of G. in man, but is also found in pigs. SYN: G. intestinalis.

giar·dia jē-'är-dē-ə, 'jär- n

1) cap a genus of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia syn. G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans

2) any flagellate of the genus Giardia

Giard zhē-är 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.

a genus of parasitic pear-shaped protozoa inhabiting the human small intestine. They have four pairs of flagellate, two nuclei, and two sucking discs used for attachment to the intestinal wall. Giardia is usually harmless but may occasionally cause diarrhoea (see giardiasis).