Answer: Schistosoma haematobium ova
The large size (~120 micrometers long), presence of a terminal spine, and location in urine are characteristic of this species, and this identification fits well with the history of hematuria in this patient. The other Schistosoma egg that has a similar appearance is S. intercalatum; in contrast to S. haematobium, it is most commonly found in stool and is somewhat longer (140-170 micrometers). It also has a central bulge, and infection is limited to east central Africa. The patient in this current case is from Northern Africa, outside of the area where S. intercalatum is present.
The video allows you to see the motility of the miracidium inside of the egg, including the "flame cells" (protonephridium). It can be helpful clinically to verify that the eggs are alive, as this indicates an active infection (unless the patient has been recently treated).
We had a similar case in my lab last year which you can find as Case of the Week 417.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 417. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 417. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, October 9, 2017
Monday, October 10, 2016
Answer to Case 417
Answer: Schistosoma haematobium egg containing a live miracidium.
The video in this case nicely shows the movement of the miracidium as it beats its circumferential cilia and retracts its apical papilla. Normally internal "flame" cells (protonephridium) can also been seen moving, but these cannot be appreciated in this video.
The video in this case nicely shows the movement of the miracidium as it beats its circumferential cilia and retracts its apical papilla. Normally internal "flame" cells (protonephridium) can also been seen moving, but these cannot be appreciated in this video.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Case of the Week 417
This week's case is a cool little finding from my lab, with videos by Emily F. Specimen type is urine (filtered through a Nuclepore (R) membrane), and the object shown measures approximately 150 micrometers in length.
Identification?
Identification?
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