A parasitologist's view of the world
This week's case was generously donated by Dr. Michal Kamionek. The following worms were identified on routine screening colonoscopy in the small and large intestine. A portion of one worm was submitted to anatomic pathology for examination, and the section is shown below. What is your identification?
Answer to the Parasite Case of the Week 756: Cestode, most likely Rodentolepis (Hymenolepis) nana.
The colonoscopy image shows numerous short white worms attached to the intestinal mucosa, raising the possibility of a small nematode (e.g., hookworm, Trichuris trichiura) or cestode. Fortunately, the histopathology allows us to easily differentiate between these two categories as you can see the characteristic cestode tegument, beginning of proglottids, and what appear to be a rostellum and two of the four suckers on the scolex.
As noted by Idzi, "Histo picture in fact looks like a VERY angry parasite… frightening… 😅". I agree! Can you all see it?
