Common Species of Intestinal Flagellates

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to common species of intestinal flagellates, encompassing both pathogenic and non-pathogenic examples.

Giardia lamblia

A pathogenic intestinal flagellate responsible for giardiasis.

Dientamoeba fragilis

A non-pathogenic intestinal flagellate that is often difficult to detect.

Chilomastix mesnili

A non-pathogenic intestinal flagellate commonly identified through direct fecal smear.

Trichomonas vaginalis

A pathogenic trichomonad found in the urogenital tract, responsible for trichomoniasis.

Flagella

Specialized locomotor organelles in flagellates that assist in movement.

Trophozoite Stage

The active, feeding form of certain protozoans.

Cystic Stage

The dormant and protected form of certain protozoans.

Motility

The ability of organisms to move independently using metabolic energy.

Amastigote

A form of trypanosome that is intracellular and lacks an external flagellum.

Trypanosomatidae

A family of protozoan parasites that includes several genera that affect humans.

Leishmania donovani

A species within the Trypanosomatidae family responsible for visceral leishmaniasis.

Direct Fecal Smear

A laboratory technique used to identify parasites in fecal specimens.

Giemsa Stain

A stain used in laboratory diagnostics to observe certain parasites under a microscope.

Reticuloendothelial system

A part of the immune system made up of a network of cells responsible for phagocytosis.

Quadrinucleated cyst

The infective form of Giardia lamblia, containing four nuclei.

Binucleated

Having two nuclei, a characteristic feature of some intestinal flagellates like Chilomastix mesnili.