Chilomastix mesnili

Introduction

Non-pathogenic flagellate infesting human intestine that must be differentiated from trophozoites of amoebae & Giardia.

Laboratory

• diagnosis made by recovering trophozoites or cysts in feces
• trophozoites
  • single nucleus generally not visible in wet mounts
  • cytosome & spiral groove may be visible
  • 3 anterior (end with nucleus) flagella are generally not visible in stained or formalin-fixed specimens
  • measure 15 by 5-7 um (range 6-24 um in length)
  • pear-shaped
• cysts
  • lemon-shaped containing cytosomal fibers with a safety-pin appearance
  • 7-8 um

More general terms

• Chilomastix