Chilomastix mesnili
| Chilomastix mesnili | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| (unranked): | SAR |
| (unranked): | Heterokontophyta |
| Class: | Mastigophora |
| Order: | Polymastigina |
| Family: | Tetramitidae |
| Genus: | Chilomastix |
| Species: | C. mesnili |
| Binomial name | |
| Chilomastix mesnili (Wenyon, 1910) | |
Chilomastix mesnili is a non-parasitic[1] member of primate gastrointestinal microflora, commonly associated with but not causing parasitic infections. It is found in about 3.5% of the population in the United States. In addition to humans, Chilomastix is found in chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, and pigs. It lives in the cecum and colon. C. mesnili has a similar life style to Giardia lamblia.
Although Chilomastix mesnili is considered non-pathogenic, it often occurs with other parasite infections. C. mesnili may be confused with other pathogenic species during diagnosis. It can create a false positive which would result in unnecessary treatment or a false negative which would withhold necessary treatment.
References
- ↑ B. Levecke; P. Dorny; T. Geurden; F. Vercammen; J. Vercruysse (September 2007). "Gastrointestinal protozoa in non-human primates of four zoological gardens in Belgium". Veterinary Parasitology. 148 (3–4): 236–246. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.020. PMID 17656023.
Sources
Schmidt, G. and Roberts, L. 2005. Foundations of Parasitology (7th ed.), New York: McGraw-Hill