Practical Science

Enteromonas hominis

• Abbreviation: Ehom
• Size trophozoite: 4 - 10 microns
• Size cyst: 6 - 8 microns
• Enteromonas hominis is considered a non-pathogen at this time. It is however an indicator like most non-pathogens of contact with fecal material.
• Recovered from stool in cyst and trophozoite form.
• The trophozoite resembles other flagellates therefore, a cyst typical for the species must be found to make a positive identification. If a cyst is not recovered it must be reported as a small race flagellate with no cyst form found.
• The cysts, usually oval in shape cantain 1 - 2 polar nuclei. The cyst is diagnostic as mentioned earlier.
• The trophozoite contains one small anterior nucleus. The cytoplasm stains unevenly making identification difficult.

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  Click on the image to enlarge.

  

Notice the cysts can have one or two polar nuclei. The cysts are typically oval in shape. Although the trophozoite on the left is illustrated with flagella they are rarely visible in a patients specimen. Please keep in mind that identification of a cyst is required to report Enteromonas hominis.

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David M. Raymondo
MLT, CLS(m)
Professional Affiliation: Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Gamma-Dynacare is a Division of the Dynacare Health Group