n. (pl. flagella) a fine long whiplike thread attached to certain types of cell (e.g. spermatozoa and some unicellular organisms). Flagella are responsible for the movement of the organisms to which they are attached.
n. a type of *protozoan with one or more fine whiplike threads (see flagellum) projecting from its body surface, by means of which it is able to swim. Some flagellates are parasites of humans and are therefore of medical importance. See Trypanosoma; Leishmania; Giardia; Trichomonas.... flagellate
n. a genus of parasitic flagellate protozoans, several species of which cause disease in humans (see leishmaniasis). The parasite assumes a different form in each of its two hosts. In humans, especially in *kala-azar patients, it is a small rounded structure, with no flagellum, called a Leishman–Donovan body, which is found within the cells of the lymphatic system, spleen, and bone marrow. In the insect carrier it is long and flagellated.... leishmania
n. a genus of parasitic flagellate protozoans that move by means of a wavy membrane, bearing a single flagellum, projecting from the body surface. T. vaginalis often infects the vagina, where it may cause severe irritation and a foul-smelling discharge (see vaginitis), and sometimes also the male *urethra; it can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. T. hominis and T. tenax live in the large intestine and mouth respectively. See also trichomoniasis.... trichomonas
n. a genus of parasitic protozoans that move by means of a long trailing flagellum and a thin wavy membrane, which project from the body surface. Trypanosomes undergo part of their development in the blood of a vertebrate host. The remaining stages occur in invertebrate hosts, which then transmit the parasites back to the vertebrates. T. rhodesiense and T. gambiense, which are transmitted through the bite of *tsetse flies, cause *sleeping sickness in Africa. T. cruzi, carried by *reduviid bugs, causes Chagas’ disease in South America.... trypanosoma
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