disease-like symptoms, diagnosis usually only occurs when it is being specifically looked for, such as in studies targeting presence of Retortamonas in patients. In other cases, it is found in patients who are infected with additional pathogenic parasites and being treated for those symptoms. This is common because transmission via the fecal-oral route is the mode used by many parasites, and so individuals are often infected with multiple species at a time. Treatment There is no known treatment for infection of this parasite, most likely due to the fact that it is non-pathogenic and requires no intensive medical attention. Morphology and Anatomy Trophozoites The trophozoite shape varies among Retortamonas species. Pyriform, fusiform, and rounded structures have all been found. Many are described to have a blunt anterior region and a pointed posterior, ending in a needle-like tail. A notable difference in cell length among species has also been recognized. All species have an enlarged feeding groove acting as the mouth of the organism and a small nucleus located in the anterior region of the cell body. The feeding groove, located near the nucleus, is divided into two sections; an anterior and a posterior pocket positioned in the upper region and deeper within the cell respectively. Retortmonas species lack of an axostyle, kinetoplast, and parabasal body. In addition, species of this genus also lack mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and an undulating membrane, a shared characteristic with the other genus of the family Retortamonadidae. All species of Retortamonas possess two flagella; one free, anteriorly-directed flagellum, and one posteriorly-directed, vaned, trailing flagellum located in the feeding groove. While in some species the posterior flagellum is confined within the feeding groove, in others it extends far out beyond this oral pouch. The functionality of both the anterior and posterior flagella is consistent across all Retortamonas species. The anterior flagellum aids in locomotion by moving in a whip-like motion, allowing the cell body to propel forward. The trailing, recurrent flagellum extends out from the feeding groove and is most likely involved only in feeding mechanisms such as ingestion. A single, spherical nucleus is present in the anterior region of the cell body. Cysts Retortamonas cysts are pear-shaped, and smaller than the trophozoite. In addition, the cysts are also rounder than trophozoites, having been described as oval-shaped with a rounded posterior while the anterior end tapers only slightly, forming a cap of the cell with a thickened