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. 2017 Nov 15;31(1):e00025-17. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00025-17

TABLE A9.

Morphology of trophozoite forms of flagellates

Species Size (length [μm]) Shape Motility No. of nuclei No. and positions of flagella Other features
Pentatrichomonas hominis 6–20; usual range, 11–12 Pear shaped Nervous, jerky 1 (not visible in unstained mounts) 3–5 anterior, 1 posterior Undulating membrane extending the length of the body
Chilomastix mesnili 6–24; usual range, 10–15 Pear shaped Stiff, rotary 1 (not visible in unstained mounts) 3 anterior, 1 in cytosome Prominent cytostome extending 1/3–1/2 the length of the body; spiral groove across ventral surface
Giardia lamblia (G. duodenalis, G. intestinalis) 10–20; usual range, 12–15 Pear shaped “Falling leaf” 2 (not visible in unstained mounts) 4 lateral, 2 ventral, 2 caudal Sucking disk occupying 1/2–3/4 of the ventral surface; median bodies lying horizontally or obliquely in lower part of body
Enteromonas hominis 4–10; usual range, 8–9 Oval Jerky 1 (not visible in unstained mounts) 3 anterior, 1 posterior One side of body flattened; posterior flagellum extends free posteriorly or laterally
Retortamonas intestinalis 4–9; usual range, 6–7 Pear shaped or oval Jerky 1 (not visible in unstained mounts) 1 anterior, 1 posterior Prominent cytostome extending ∼1/2 the length of the body