Trophozite of Trichomonas in Stool : Introduction, Morphology and Laboratory Diagnosis
Introduction of Trichomonas hominis
Trophozoites of Trichomonas hominis in saline preparation of stool as shown above picture. Trichomonas hominins is a protozoan flagellate and therefore motile organism. It is of cosmopolitan distribution. It is thought to be non-pathogenic although it has been associated with diarrheic stools. It is the most commonly found flagellate next to Giardia lamblia and Dientamoeba fragilis.
Morphology of Trichomonas hominis
It has no cystic stage. The trophozoite measures from 5-15µm in length by 7-10µm in width. The shape is pyriform and has an axostyle that runs from the nucleus down the center of the body and extends from the end of the body and an undulating membrane that extends the entire length of the body and projects from the body like a free flagellum. It has 4 free flagella and a single nucleus at the anterior end.
Laboratory Diagnosis
In a fresh stool, the flagellates move very rapidly in a jerky, non-directional manner. The axostyle and undulating membrane are diagnostic. The flagellates are difficult to stain, however, the axostyle can be seen on a stained preparation and is diagnostic. Watch the motility of this organism @
Pathology, Prevention, and Control of Trichomonas hominis
Trichomonas hominis is considered a nonpathogenic inhabitant of the large intestine. Trophozoites of this may be observed in fresh smears of both normal and diarrheic fecal samples. Since this organism is nonpathogenic, efforts to eliminate or prevent infection are not usually undertaken.
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Further Readiings
- A textbook of parasitology, K.D. Chatterjee
- UK NEQAS Parasitology
- Isenberg clinical microbiology procedures Handbook
2nd edition. Vol. 2 - Merkell and Voge’s medical parasitology
9th edition. - Parasitology: 12th edition
By K. D. Chatterjee - District laboratory practice in Tropical countries –Part-I.
By Monica Chesbrough. - Atlas of Medical Helminthology and protozoology -4th edn -P.L. Chiodini, A.H. Moody, D.W. Manser
- Medical Parasitology by Abhay R. Satoskar, Gary L. Simon, Peter J. Hotez and Moriya Tsuji