Intestinal Protozoa

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These one-celled parasites can cause disease and are occasionally

found in captive box turtles.  Diagnosis of Giardia and

Trichomonas infections requires direct microscopic examination of

the feces by an experienced laboratory technician or

veterinarian.  The feces must first be placed in a preservative

solution and then a special staining procedure is used to prepare

them for examination.