Balantidium - trophozoite vs. cyst form

Trophozoite form - 400x Cyst form - 400x
  • Oval
  • Cilia present as "fuzzy" outer layer.
  • Usually only found in gut smears but when present in very high numbers can also be found in faeces.
  • Round, smaller than trophozoite stage
  • Cilia absent
  • Refractile (unstained) outer wall
  • Usually found in both gut and faeces.
[More info on trophozoite form] [More info on cyst form]

Practical 5 Contents page

 

 

© The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
The University of Edinburgh,
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre,
ROSLIN, Midlothian, Scotland, EH25 9RG

Page maintained by T.W.Jones@ed.ac.uk
This page last updated on 08 October 2007