This week's case is generously donated by Dr. Adrienne Showler. The following was passed in stool by an 'adventurous eater', who regularly enjoys raw fish dishes, and also has tried raw beef and pork dishes in the United States. He reports passing similar objects on 4 separate occasions, and the length of each was between 1 and 3 feet. Unfortunately he didn't collect the samples (!), so we only have these photographs:
Likely identification?
broad proglottids - D. latum?
ReplyDeleteIt's a tape worm
ReplyDeleteD. latum, the proglottids looks wider than tall. Hx of consumption of raw fish fits.
ReplyDeleteThe appearance is that of a broad tapeworm (Diphyllobotriid). However, the taxonomy of these organisms has changed and now is recognized to include 3 major species and several minor species. The major organisms include Dibothriocephalus latus (formerly D latum), Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensi, and Adenocephalus pacificus. So, it depends on where the raw fish he ate came from.
ReplyDeleteOh my, another sashimi victim. But why should we deprive ourselves of such heavenly pleasure? For sure. the proglotids are broader than long, a centrally located reproductive organ dotting each segment all ensure the characteristics of a Diphyllobothrid.
ReplyDeleteThe series of craspedote segments usually do not show the two bothria.The problem is what species is involved and how do we separate this tangled up mess vividly depicted in an issue of EID of CDC.
Florida Fan
Tapeworm, adult
ReplyDeletePossibly D. latum
Express eggs from mature proglottids (bags of eggs or egg basket) will help
Diphyllobothrium latus....or any of the other many fish tapeworms that were previously thought to be this species.
ReplyDeleteID based on consumption of raw fish dishes, and morphology of tapeworm. Proglottids are broader than they are long, with an obvious genital pore in the centre of each.
Diphyllobothrium latum. Just had that lecture with my students 🤣
ReplyDelete