Sunday, April 26, 2009

Answer to Case 67

Answer: Paragonimus spp.

As Dr. R points out, this specimen is on the smaller end of the spectrum, being just 5 mm in length (typical size 6-10 mm), but it otherwise has all of the characteristic features of a Paragonimus adult fluke. It is typically described grossly as a "coffee bean," and has 2 suckers (as do all human flukes) - 1 ventral and 1 anterior. I've attempted to show the anterior sucker in the close-up image, but it's a bit hard to make out. I've also given you a big hint with the history of hemoptysis. Paragonimus is the lung fluke, and creates cystic cavities in the lung parenchyma.

All of the commenters got this correct. Thank you SO much for your responses and the kind words about the blog. Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites has a wonderful group of readers!

No comments: