Trichomonads under Microscopy

Abstract

Trichomonads are flagellate protists, and among themTrichomonas vaginalisandTritrichomonas foetusare the most studied because they are parasites of the urogenital tract of humans and cattle, respectively. Microscopy provides new insights into the cell biology and morphology of these parasites, and thus allows better understanding of the main aspects of their physiology. Here, we review the ultrastructure ofT. foetusandT. vaginalis, stressing the participation of the axostyle in the process of cell division and showing that the pseudocyst may be a new form in the trichomonad cell cycle and not simply a degenerative form. Other organelles, such as the Golgi and hydrogenosomes, are also reviewed. The virus present in trichomonads is discussed.