Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted parasite that causes trichomoniasis.
Since the organism does not live for long after leaving the body, detection by urine microscopy is not very sensitive.
Appearance
Trichomonas are pear-shaped and have four flagella. Motility is usually necessary for identification.
Lookalikes
Trichomonas can look like a white blood cell when non-motile which is why motility is usually necessary to positively identify by microscopy.
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