Trichomonas vaginalis: Classification Information
Scientific name: Trichomonas vaginalis
Common names: trich, vaginitis, ureitis
Complete Classification:
Domain: Eukarya
-larger, more complex cells
Kingdom: Protista
-scientific "dumping ground" for
difficult to classify eukaryotic organisms, therefore most
diverse
Phylum: Metamonada
-flagellated protozoa
Class: Parabasilia
-have modified mitochondria, have one
or more flagella, require host/partake in symbiosis
Order: Trichomonadida
-have undulating membrane, axostyle
Genus: Trichomonas
-Members of this genus
affect not only people, but
poultry
and other
farm
animals.
Species:
Trichomonas vaginalis
Phylogenetic Tree
T. vaginalis belongs to the protist super group
Excavata.
This phylogenetic tree demonstrates evolutionary relationships between parabasalids, like T. vaginalis, and its closely related organisms. Other parabasalids include the genus Trichonympha. These protists reside in termite digestive systems, helping them to break down the wood they consume. The diplomonads are another member of Excavata, and most closely related to the parabasalids. One well known species in this group is Giardia lamblia. G. lamblia is commonly known as "Beaver Fever" and causes many people extreme diarrhea.