Chilomastix mesnili

Chilomastix mesnili
Scientific classification
(unranked):	SAR
Division:	Heterokontophyta
Class:	Mastigophora
Order:	Polymastigina
Family:	Tetramitidae
Genus:	Chilomastix
Species:	C. mesnili
Binomial name
Chilomastix mesnili (Wenyon, 1910)

Chilomastix mesnili is a non-parasitic member of primate gastrointestinal microflora, commonly associated with but not causing parasitic infections. It is found in about 3.5% of the population in the United States. In addition to humans, Chilomastix is found in chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, and pigs. It lives in the cecum and colon. C. mesnili has a similar life style to Giardia lamblia.

Although Chilomastix mesnili is considered non-pathogenic, it often occurs with other parasite infections. C. mesnili may be confused with other pathogenic species during diagnosis. It can create a false positive which would result in unnecessary treatment or a false negative which would withhold necessary treatment.

Sources

Schmidt, G. and Roberts, L. 2005. Foundations of Parasitology (7th ed.), New York: McGraw-Hill