This week's case was donated by Dr. Francesca (Frankie) Lee. The following images are from Gram-stained and wet prep slides of a BAL from an immunocompromised patient.
What is your diagnosis? Are there any precautions you would institute for the samples in the laboratory?
3 comments:
Looks like Strongyloides stercoralis to me based on the source of the specimen and the appearance. Not engaged in lab work so will appreciate comments about the lab safety procedures.
S stercoralis larva for sure.
Wow! A typical case of full blown invasive Strongyloidiasis. The Gram stain didn’t give us much detail for the identification. The wet mounts appear to show the notched tail of the infective filariform stage. The rhabditiform larvae have short buccal cavity. All clues fit an identification of Strongyloides stercoralis. Thought it has been said that filariform larvae cannot penetrate nitrile examination gloves, I would surely take extra precautions while handling such a specimen such as double gloves.
Florida Fan
Post a Comment