The following movies are taken from wet mounts prepared from fresh samples. While shape and size are important in speciating protozoa, locomotion is also very beneficial. As a result, when identifying protozoa in wet mounts, it is extremely important to keep samples warm until they can be examined.
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Trichomonads
The term "trichomonads" refers to flagellated protozoa from several genera (i.e. Tritrichomonas, Tetratrichomonas, Trichomitus,) that are lemon-shaped, vary in size and have slow jerky, sporadic movements. These protozoa have characteristic visible undulating membranes that differentiate them from other flagellates of similar size and shape. 400X magnification; phase contrast microscopy
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Entamoeba sp. with trichomonads (phase microscopy)
Entamoeba sp. protozoa have fluid membranes and move slowly by extension of pseudopods. 1000X magnification; phase contrast microscopy
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Entamoeba sp. with trichomonads (differential interference contrast microscopy)
This movie was taken using differential interference contrast (Nomarski) microscopy and thus has a three dimensional appearance. 1000X magnification
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Giardia sp.
This slow moving, flagellated protozoan has a rolling or rocking motion often described as "falling leaf" motility. 400X magnification; phase contrast microscopy
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Spironucleus muris
This tear drop-shaped flagellated protozoan is smaller than other common rodent protozoa and has extremely fast, darting movements. When cooled it slows down and often circles. 400X magnification; phase contrast microscopy
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Chilomastix
Chilomastix bettencorti is large, flagellated “corn dog” shaped protozoan that comes to a point at one end. It is slow moving and often rotates on its long axis as it moves. This rotating movement coupled with the presence of a cytostomal groove gives Chilomastix a barber poll appearance. 400x magnification, phase contrast microscopy.