Trichomonas vaginalis: Classification Information
Scientific name: Trichomonas vaginalis
Common names: trich, vaginitis, ureitis
-larger, more complex cells
-scientific "dumping ground" for difficult to classify eukaryotic organisms, therefore most diverse
-have modified mitochondria, have one or more flagella, require host/partake in symbiosis
-have undulating membrane, axostyle
-Members of this genus affect not only people, but poultry and other farm animals.
Species: Trichomonas vaginalis
T. vaginalis belongs to the protist super group
This phylogenetic tree demonstrates evolutionary relationships between parabasalids, like T. vaginalis, and its closely related organisms. Other parabasalids include the genus Trichonympha. These protists reside in termite digestive systems, helping them to break down the wood they consume. The diplomonads are another member of Excavata, and most closely related to the parabasalids. One well known species in this group is Giardia lamblia. G. lamblia is commonly known as "Beaver Fever" and causes many people extreme diarrhea.