Case #414 – February 2016

A 7-year-old boy was presented to his health care provider with symptoms of intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. A stool specimen was collected in 10% formalin and zinc PVA (Zn-PVA) for routine ova-and-parasite (O&P) examination. Figures A–F show what was observed at 1000x magnification with oil on a trichrome-stained smear made from stool preserved in the Zn-PVA. The objects of interest measured 7-13 µm. Figures A and B show the same object at different focal planes. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

This was a case of Dientamoeba fragilis infection. Diagnostic features shown included:

trophozoites with one or two nuclei with clusters of karyosomal chromatin and no peripheral chromatin.
trophozoites within the size range consistent for D. fragilis (5-15µm).

More on: Dientamoeba fragilis

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

Content source: Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria