The following structures were found in an unstained wet mount from a Belgian patient without any recent travel abroad. The patient reports intestinal discomfort for approximately 1 week. The structures measure approximately 20 micrometers in length.
Identification?
8 comments:
Schistosoma mansoni. Characterized by its prominent lateral spine.
jeez i can barely see it...to small to be a hookworm egg....
I just realized the size of the eggs is too small for it to be a trematode hence I'll scratch off my previous answer S. mansoni. The lateral spine is definitely an artifact.
Either it's a contaminant or a nematode egg. Unsure though.
Too smooth and too regular shape for S.mansoni. The spine is an artifact. The "ova" are plant material or mushroom spores (perhaps morel mushroom spore 20-22 µm).
Spore vegetali (mushrooms ? )
Oh yes! Spring is here at our door and now is the time to go out (at least further North from where I live) and hunt for mushrooms.
This unknown comes in so timely! Moreover, being in the woods we easily abide the social distancing, just watch out for the wind direction and make appropriate adjustment to the government six feet recommendation, the more the better.
With this specimen, this is what I will do:
1/ Check for auto fluorescence, which in this case should be negative.
2/ Beware the fact that both Isospora oocysts and fungal ascospores stain acid fast.
I would not mind the slight discomfort for over eating as Morel mushroom ascocarps are such a delicacy. Once you get the taste, it is unforgettable.
Last night I was a bit bewildered for not being able to come up with an answer right away, yet I remember the pictures in a previous case. Indeed, this is a re-visit to case 544.
Cannot thank Dr. Pritt enough for such timely and clever reminder.
Florida Fan
I agree with Florida Fan and other colleagues that these are fungus spores.
Thank you, Idzi, for this puzzling case.
Many thanks also to Dr. Pritt for maintaining this fantastic blog that helps us in these difficult times for all of us.
Best regards from Spain,
Luis.
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