Scanning electron microscopy of Trichomonas vaginalis

By scanning electron microscopy (SEM), T. vaginalis surface appeared pleated with crater-like depressions. All the flagella appeared to start off in a single bundle from a shallow depression with a prominent rim. The side carrying the undulating membrane is extensively ruffled having a mulberry-like appearance to which flocculent material was frequently adherent. T. vaginalis nutrition appeared to proceed through pseudopodia-like extensions and phagocytosis by a constant deep invagination at the anterior pole which seems to be a cytostome. The mulberry-like surface may serve adhesion of T. vaginalis to the host cells and probably increases the surface area for exchange of nutrients, metabolites and parasite-derived factors.