Shape variations of Trichomonas vaginalis in presence of different substrates

Shape variations of strains of Trichomonas vaginalis were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following inoculation on McCoy cell monolayers and after interaction with human erythrocytes. The parasites adhered to both cells and presented amoeboid forms, with pseudopodia-like extensions. Several amoeboid organisms swam freely over the cell monolayers and produced aggregates. These unusual forms of the urogenital flagellate may be a response to the composition of the culture medium and may play an important role in the pathogenic process of T. vaginalis.