Answer to the Parasite Case of the Week 808: Nematomorph (a.k.a. gordian or horse hair worm), or similar appearing worm. As noted by an anonymous reader, this is "most likely nematomorpha but would need to examine under magnification. I have encountered many museum specimens labeled as horsehair worms that were in fact mermithid nematodes or haplotaxid annelids."
Regardless of the definitive identification, the important thing to mention in the report is that this worm is NOT a human parasite. It was most likely found in the toilet and not actually vomited by the patient.
As discussed by Idzi, "The adults of the Nematomorphs are not parasitic (they live in water) but the larvae are parasitic and use terrestrial insects as their host. Once the larva inside the insect has matured (after several molts), the infested insect will have an irresistible urge to drown itself, thus bringing the adult worm back to water. Neat trick!" This is one of several parasites that manipulates the host to further its own life cycle - another being Toxoplasma gondii in the rodent host.
I've featured this parasite a few other times on this blog, and have written a longer description that you can read HERE. This link will also bring you to other cases, including one with a very graphic video of a worm emerging from a cricket 😯. As described by Florida Fan, "What else can I say. The “equine chevelure” though not so “knotted" is very vivid?
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