Flagellates of the Intestinal and Urogenital
Tracts
Clinical Microbiology Review 239
FLAGELLATE TROPH CYST TRANSMISSION PATHOGENIC? OTHER
GI tract
Dientamoeba
fragilis
Flagella only
visible with
electron
microscope.
Common in U.S.
5–15 μm. 80% have 2 nuclei. No
peripheral chromatin. Karyosome
is mass of 4–8 granules.
None Fecal-oral, oral-anal Yes
(From Leventhal R, Cheadle RF.
Medical Parasitology: A Self-
Instructional Text, 5th ed.
Philadelphia: FA Davis;
2002:101.)
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