LINK / CITE ADD TO WORD LIST. adjective. The definition of harmful is something that causes damage or is able to be hurtful. A chemical that causes you to become sick is an example of a chemical that would be described as harmful. causing or able to cause harm; hurtful. adjective.
The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing contaminated water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in municipal water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas. Ground and surface water can become contaminated from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal feces.
Diagnosis of giardiasis is confirmed by indentifying the cysts in the stool. The most common cause of water borne intestinal infection in the United States, giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the GIARDIA LAMBLIA protozoa, which is found in the human intestinal tract and in faces.