Monday, May 9, 2022

Answer to Case 681

 Answer: Echinococcus sp. invaginated protoscolices

Given the clinical history of a cystic lesion in a patient from Afghanistan, the causative agent is probably E. granulosus. 

The protoscolices are somewhat degenerated, but you can still make out the internal row of hooklets:

The protoscolex will evert if ingested by the canine definitive host and form the scolex of the adult tapeworm. Thanks again to Tracie Rose and her lab for donating this case!

If you liked seeing parasites stained with the Papanicolaou (pap) stain, you can also check out this previous case of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine. The pap stain is really quite beautiful!

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