This week's case is a small "worm" submitted for identification following removal during screening colonoscopy. It was tan-white and measured approximately 1.3 cm in length. The following are photos of its microscopic appearance:
My best guess would be an adult Hookworm. Specifically, Necator americanus. This is based on the presence of cutting plates rather than teeth which would be seen on Ancylostoma duodenale. Based on size, I would say this is a female worm.
Hookworm. The "teeth" look a bit too angulated to be Necator for sure. But either Necator or Anclyostoma. That must have been a fun find for the colonoscopist. BW in Vt
Agree with an adult Necator americanus, probably a female. The buccal capsule appears to have cutting plates, however given it´s size it´s more concordant with a female of Ancylostoma duodenale but again A. duodenale is more abundant in southern Europe, Africa and rarely seen in USA. If the picture showed the full body we wil be able to distinguish between male (has a copulatory bursa) and female.
I agree with Necator americanus. The photos nicely depict cervical papillae aka deirides which are sensory organs ( tactile or chemo).
Here's a little history. Hookworm infection in ancient China was once called " able to eat but lazy to work yellow disease". I'm filing this with my favorite Chinese wisdom. " One man carries two buckets, two men carry one bucket, three men don't get anything done at all".
Old One, I love your comments. I did follow your suggestion of examining ducks feces. I did not find the dreamed of miracidium nor cercaria, however by pure serendipity I did find Capillaria eggs. I am seeking your assistance in their identification to the species level if possible, and will send you the pictures I took. Hope you do not mind my asking your email address. My email address is: duong23747@gmail.com. Florida Fan
My best guess would be an adult Hookworm. Specifically, Necator americanus. This is based on the presence of cutting plates rather than teeth which would be seen on Ancylostoma duodenale. Based on size, I would say this is a female worm.
ReplyDeleteNecator americanus
ReplyDeleteYes, the cutting plates especially the upper ones are clearly visible. The identification surely will be Necator Americans.
ReplyDeleteFlorida Fan
Hookworm. The "teeth" look a bit too angulated to be Necator for sure. But either Necator or Anclyostoma.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a fun find for the colonoscopist.
BW in Vt
I agree with Necator!
ReplyDeleteFor me these are cutting plates rather than teeth!
I agree with the previous posts.
ReplyDeleteNegatory americanus
ReplyDeleteNecator americanus
ReplyDeleteAgree with an adult Necator americanus, probably a female. The buccal capsule appears to have cutting plates, however given it´s size it´s more concordant with a female of Ancylostoma duodenale but again A. duodenale is more abundant in southern Europe, Africa and rarely seen in USA. If the picture showed the full body we wil be able to distinguish between male (has a copulatory bursa) and female.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Necator americanus. The photos nicely depict cervical papillae aka deirides which are sensory organs ( tactile or chemo).
ReplyDeleteHere's a little history. Hookworm infection in ancient China was once called " able to eat but lazy to work yellow disease". I'm filing this with my favorite Chinese wisdom. " One man carries two buckets, two men carry one bucket, three men don't get anything done at all".
Necator I think based on endplates
ReplyDeleteOld One,
ReplyDeleteI love your comments. I did follow your suggestion of examining ducks feces. I did not find the dreamed of miracidium nor cercaria, however by pure serendipity I did find Capillaria eggs. I am seeking your assistance in their identification to the species level if possible, and will send you the pictures I took. Hope you do not mind my asking your email address. My email address is: duong23747@gmail.com.
Florida Fan