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Case #361 – December 2013

A 27-year-old man in the U.S. Army, who had been stationed overseas in southeast Asia, sought medical attention for nausea, vomiting, and intermittent diarrhea. A stool specimen was collected in 10% formalin for Ova and Parasites (O&P) testing. A formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) concentration was performed and a wet mount examined using 1000x magnification.  Figures A-E show what was observed in few numbers. The objects in Figures AC measured 18 micrometers on average; objects in Figures D and E measured 8.0 micrometers on average. Figures B and C shows two different focal planes of the same object. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

Figure A

Figure A

Figure B

Figure B

Figure C

Figure C

Figure D

Figure D

Figure E

Figure E

Images presented in the DPDx case studies are from specimens submitted for diagnosis or archiving. On rare occasions, clinical histories given may be partly fictitious.

DPDx is an educational resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists. For an overview including prevention, control, and treatment visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/.

Page last reviewed: August 24, 2016