Answer: Not a human parasite
I apologize to my readers that I don't know exactly WHAT this is. A consensus of knowledgeable parasitologists thought that this was not a human parasite, and possibly an artifact or fungal element. Meanwhile, my mycology colleagues did NOT think that this was a fungal element. Responses from the viewers also included Turbatrix aceti (vinegar eel) and hair.
The good news for this patient is that this is not a human pathogen and simply an incidental finding.
Thank you all for writing in with your interesting ideas!
Probable macroconidia! It should germinate if kept warm and wet. Each segment will generate a hyphae. The presence in the body indicates a fungal mass is well established. Most reported macroconidia producing fungi are dermal; although some are found in the lungs and other internals. Use of steroidal anti-inflammatories, fluticasone, beclamethasone, dexamethasone, for expample, may cause proliferation.
ReplyDeleteDavid
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