Trichomonadida

Trichomonadida is a group of parasitic protozoa, belonging to the phylum Parabasalia. They are known to cause several diseases in humans and other animals. The most well-known species within this group is Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis in humans.

Classification

Trichomonadida is classified under the phylum Parabasalia, which is a group of anaerobic, flagellated protozoa. The order Trichomonadida includes several families such as Trichomonadidae, Monocercomonadidae, Devescovinidae, and Calonymphidae.

Morphology

Members of Trichomonadida are typically pear-shaped with four to six anterior flagella and a posterior flagellum attached to an undulating membrane. They lack mitochondria, but contain hydrogenosomes, which are thought to be a type of modified mitochondrion.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Trichomonadida is direct, with no intermediate hosts. The parasites exist as trophozoites, which are the active, feeding stage of the parasite. They reproduce by binary fission and are transmitted directly from host to host.

Pathogenicity

Several species of Trichomonadida are pathogenic. Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans. Other species, such as Tritrichomonas foetus, cause disease in cattle and cats.

Treatment

Treatment for infections caused by Trichomonadida typically involves the use of metronidazole or tinidazole, which are nitroimidazole antibiotics. These drugs are effective against the trophozoite stage of the parasites.

See Also

• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Trichomoniasis
• Parabasalia
• Protozoa

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