Trichomonadida | |
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Two T. vaginalis trophozoites. Colorized SEM | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Phylum: | Metamonada |
Subphylum: | Trichozoa |
(unranked): | Parabasalia |
Order: |
Trichomonadida Brugerolle & Lee 2000 |
Families | |
Trichomonadida is an order of anaerobic protists, included with the parabasalids. Members of this order are referred to as trichomonads.
Some organisms in this order include:
Species in this order typically have four to six flagella at the cell's apical pole, one of which is recurrent - that is, it runs along a surface wave, giving the aspect of an undulating membrane. Like other parabasalids, they typically have an axostyle, a pelta, a costa, and parabasal bodies. In Histomonas only one flagellum and a reduced axostyle are found, and in Dientamoeba, both are absent.
Most species are either parasites or other endosymbionts of animals.
Trichomonads reproduce by a special form of longitudinal fission, leading to large numbers of trophozoites in a relatively short time. Cysts never form, so transmission from one host to another is always based on direct contact between the sites they occupy. [1]
The preferred treatment for trichomonad infection is Metronidazole. [2]