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Pentatrichomonas hominis, a nonpathogenic flagellate.
Only trophozoites of Pentatrichomonas hominis are shed in feces , as there is no known cyst stage for this species. Infection occurs after the ingestion of trophozoites in fecal-contaminated food or water, or on fomites . Pentatrichomonas resides in the large intestine, where it is regarded as a commensal and is not known to cause disease.
Pentatrichomonas hominis is considered nonpathogenic. The presence of trophozoites in stool specimens can however be an indicator of fecal contamination of a food or water source, and thus does not rule-out other parasitic infections.