Nonpathogenic enteric protozoa
INTRODUCTION
Several nonpathogenic protozoa inhabit the intestinal tract and may be identified in stool specimens sent to the clinical laboratory for ova and parasite examination [1]. Since these nonpathogenic parasites can be reported by the diagnostic laboratory, it is important to be able to distinguish between organisms that require treatment and organisms that do not.The classification of nonpathogenic protozoa will be reviewed here. Several other enteric organisms, including Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis, are discussed separately. (See "Blastocystis species" and "Dientamoeba fragilis".)
NONPATHOGENIC PROTOZOA
The nonpathogenic protozoa can be divided into two groups: amebae and flagellates. The nonpathogenic amebae include:●Endolimax nana
●Entamoeba bangladeshi
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