Answer to the Parasite Case of the Week 673: Paragonimus species; two adult flukes within lung tissue.
You can tell that these are flukes by their loose stroma, thin eosinophilic tegument (outer layer) with prominent spines, and suckers. As noted by Florida Fan, the characteristic eggs (each with a shouldered operculum), along with the location, are helpful in identifying this as a Paragonimus species. Excellent job!
- Paragonimus adults are commonly found in pairs in the lung - the main reason I chose this case.
- They are hermaphrodites, having male and female reproductive organs (2 different types).
- The eggs have a shouldered operculum - 2 'bumps' or shoulders (one on each side of the operculum)
- Adult flukes have 2 suckers.
Are there any others you can think of?
2 comments:
Ah... but Dr. Pritt, you gave us a two part problem....what "other associated twos" did you have in mind? Schistosomiasis perhaps? others? Much appreciation and many thanks as always for such a great learning tool!
Excellent point Sean! I was hoping that others would chime in with some ideas. The ones I came up with (and will add to the blog) are:
1. Paragonimus adults are commonly found in pairs in the lung - the main reason I chose this case.
2. They are hermaphrodites, having male and female reproductive organs (2 different types).
3. The eggs have a shouldered operculum - 2 'bumps' or shoulders (one on each side of the operculum)
4. Adult flukes have 2 suckers.
Are there any others you can think of?
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