Flagellates


Dientamoeba fragilis (trophozoite)

Shape Ameboid shape
Motility Sluggish
Nucleus

1 or 2.4% of D. fragilis only have one nucleus, but this is usually fragmented
Karyosome usually in form of cluster of 4-8 granules
Cytoplasm Finely granular
Pathogenic YES



Trichomonas vaginalis (trophozoite)

Shape Pear-shaped
Motility Rapid, jerking
Nucleus 1 nuclei
Flagella

3-5 anterior, 1 posterior
Undulating membrane extends half length of body; seen in vaginal smears and urethral charges
Pathogenic YES

Giardia lamblia (trophozoite)

Shape Pear-shaped
Motility "Falling Leaf"
Nucleus 2 nuclei
Axostyle Structure down the middle
Flagella

4 lateral, 2 ventral, and 2 caudal
Sucking disk occupies 50-75% of body
Pathogenic YES

Giardia lamblia (cyst)

Shape Oval or Ellipsoid
Nuclei Usually 4, located at one end
Fibrils & Flagella Oriented longitudinally in cyst
Pathogenic YES