Use this microscope slide to examine the structure of the active trophozoite form of Giardia lamblia.
This flagellated, parasitic protozoan causes giardiasis, an infection of the human small intestine characterized by diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The parasite exists in 2 forms: the inactive cyst and the active trophozoite that colonizes the small intestine.
The trophozoites typically have paired nuclei and paired flagella.
Smear, stained with Heidenhain's hematoxylin.
Note: These slides are made from fecal smears from infected hosts. Thus, there will be other material on the slide. You must use high-power or oil-immersion to locate the parasites. It is possible to have multiple life stages on the same slide. Each slide is checked individually to ensure that the indicated parasite stage is present. You will have to explore the slide to find them.
