FLAGELLATES

FLAGELLUM
An elongated, hair-like organelle used for
locomotion. At the ultra-structural level, 1
pair of central tubules and 9 pairs of
peripheral tubules are visible.
UNDULATING MEMBRANE
A membranous structure which connects the
flagellum to the body of the parasite. It is
thrown into folds as the parasite moves,
giving it an undulating appearance.
COSTA
A cytoplasmic thickening seen at the base of
the undulating membrane in some
flagellates.
AXOSTYLE
A central supporting rod seen in some
flagellates.
AMASTIGOTE
Also known as the leishmanial stage. It is
round or oval in shape without any free
flagella.
PROMASTIGOTE
Also known as the leptomonad stage. It is
elongated with the kinetoplast anterior and
distal to the nucleus. The flagellum emerges
from the anterior end. There is no undulating
membrane.
EPIMASTIGOTE
Also known as crithidial stage. It is
elongated with the kinetoplast anterior and
close to the nucleus. There is a short
undulating membrane.
TRYPOMASTIGOTE
Also known as the trypanosome stage. If is
elongated with the kinetoplast posterior and
distal to the nucleus. There is a long
undulating membrane.
AXONEME
A delicate filament extending from the
region of the kinetoplast to the cell
membrane. It represents the cytoplasmic
part of the flagellum.
KINETOPLAST
An oval or rod-shaped body seen in
haemoflagellates. If stains with nuclear dyes
and contains DNA. It is regarded as a
modified part of the mitochondrium.
PLEOMORPHIC
When a number of morphological types
occur in one life cycle.
MONOMORPHIC
When a single morphological type occurs in
one life cycle.
METACYCLIC TRYPANOSOME
Infective forms of trypanosomes which
develop in the vector.
Giardia spp.
Trichomonas vaginalis


Trypomastigote

Epimastigote

Promastigote

Amastigote

Leishmania spp.

Animal
host

Absent

Absent

Absent

Present

Vector

Absent

Absent

Present

Absent

Trypanosoma spp. African

Animal
host

Present

Absent

Absent

Absent

Vector

Present

Present

Absent

Absent

Trypanosoma cruzi
Animal
host

Present

Present

Absent

Present

Vector

Present

Present

Absent

Absent

Leishmania spp.
AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS
AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS