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Medical Definition of Giardia lamblia
1. A species of parasitic protozoa that attaches itself to the intestinal mucosa and feeds on mucous secretions. The organism is roughly pear-shaped and motility is somewhat erratic, with a slow oscillation about the long axis. Considered for many years to be non-pathogenic and often found in completely asymptomatic individuals, there is presently strong evidence for its pathogenic potential. (12 Dec 1998)