Giardia, Trichomonas, Chilomastix and Dientamoeba are classified as flagellates; Balantidium coli is a ciliate, and Isospora and Cryptosporidium are coccidians. All are intestinal parasites that are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, except for T vaginalis, which is usually spread by sexual contact.

What does Giardia look like in human poop?

For those who do get sick, signs and symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may include: Watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools.

What intestinal flagellate is considered pathogenic in nature?

Of the most commonly occurring intestinal flagellates, only Giardia muris is considered to be pathogenic to mice (Kofoid & Christiansen, 1915).