Pentatrichomonas hominis (Trichomonis hominis)

Formerly Trichomonis hominis. Non-pathogenic intestinal flagellate infrequently seen. They may be confused with trophozoites of Entamoeba hartmanni or Entamoeba histolytica. Laboratory: 1) diagnosis is made by recovery of trophozoites in the feces 2) trophozoites do not stain well & are often distorted on smears 3) single nucleus, undulating membrane extending length of body 4) 3-5 anterior, 1 posterior flagella 5) a prominant axostyle (rod-like projection) runs through the organism protrudes from the posterior end 6) measure 8-20 um in length, generally 11-12 um 7) no cyst stage has been described

Properties

KINGDOM: animal PHYLUM: protozoa

References

Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1278