A protozoan flagellate (order Trichomonadida) parasitizing the intestine and liver of turkeys, chickens, and many other domestic and wild gallinaceous birds; it is nearly ubiquitous but rarely pathogenic in chickens; in the turkey, it causes histomoniasis. It is now considered to be in a family (Monocercomonadidae) that includes Dientamoeba.
Synonym: Amoeba meleagridis.
(05 Mar 2000)