Answer to Case 471

Answer: Pentostomiasis; most consistent with Armillifer species. William Sears also suggested that Raillietiella sp. is also in the differential, which Idzi confirms. Both are found in African countries and associated with consumption of raw snake meat. Identification is accomplished morphologically by counting the annuli. You can also use molecular studies, although these are not widely available.

Idzi also provided me with the following beautiful (and very creepy) photos from his Institute's specimen archives which show an adult and larval Armillifer armillatus:

Idzi and his group published this case, so you can read more about it HERE. Fascinating case!