Parasitology

Entamoeba coli Cysts: Morphology and Distinguishing Features

Criteria for identifying Entamoeba coli cysts by microscopy: size, more than four nuclei, eccentric karyosome, and splinter-shaped chromatoid bodies.

Native stool smear, multinucleated Entamoeba coli cyst
Native stool smear, multinucleated Entamoeba coli cyst

The correct answer to the parasitology problem: Entamoeba coli amoeba cysts.

These cysts are easily recognized by their large size and number of nuclei (>4). These are the most definitive features of this protozoan, which allow it to be distinguished from similar-looking Entamoeba spp., such as E. histolytica. Other confirming features are an eccentric karyosome within each nucleus and a splinter-shaped chromatoid body with pointed ends.

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