Table 7 outlines some key features in differentiating the cysts of the flagellates.
Table 7. Differentiating Giardia and Dientamoeba Cysts from those of the Commensal Flagellates.| Organism | Image | Nuclei # | Other Features |
| Giardia duodenalis Usually oval (can be round) Usual size: 11–14 x 7–10 μm | 
(27) | 4 | Deep-staining median bodies lie across longitudinal fibers Shrinkage gives a halo effect (arrow) |
| Dientamoeba fragilis Oval to round 5–8 μm | Cysts exist but are very rarely seen and difficult to identify. | 2 | Can show shrinkage |
| Chilomastix mesnili Lemon or pear-shaped with hyaline knob Usually 7–9 x 4–6 μm | 
(28) | 1 | Cytostome with supporting fibrils |
| Pentatrichomonas hominis | No cysts | | |
