Practical Science

Endolimax nana

• Abbreviation: En
• Cyst size: 8 - 12 microns
• Trophozoite size: 6 - 15 microns
• A non-pathogen.
• Most frequently recovered intestinal parasite.
• Associated with unsanitary conditions.
• The trophozoite of Endolimax nana typically has 1 nucleus with a large blob like karyosome, however, it is not uncommon for a trophozoite to have 2 nuclei.
• Surrounding the karyosome is a clear area called the perikaryosomal space. A small amount of peripheral chromatin may appear to be present but it is not typical.
• The nucleus of E. nana may appear in many forms making it sometimes difficult to differentiate between other organisms such as Entamoeba hartmanni and at times Dientamoeba fragilis.
• The cysts of E. nana are small, refractive cells with 4 nuclei containing large karyosomes and a relatively clear cytoplasm.

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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