Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites

The following objects were identified in a concentrated fecal preparation from a 5 year old Kenyan adoptee. They range in size from 30 to 6...

Answer: Pollen, not a human parasite Thank you to everyone who wrote in with your answer! Most recognized these objects a non-parasitic st...

I have a real challenge for you this week! A 16 year old immigrant from Ethiopia presented with acute severe right upper quadrant pain, acc...

Answer: Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (most appear unfertilized) surrounded by neutrophilic inflammation and necrosis. This was definitely a c...

The following were seen in a Papanicoloau stained urine preparation. They vary in size from 40 to 60 microns in length. Identification?

Identification: Not a parasite; most likely uric acid crystals. Congratulations to Dana who got this one right! These crystals can cause ...

A renal allograft recipient presents with increased serum creatinine and shortness of breath. The following objects measuring 2-3 microns i...

Answer: Microsporidia Great comments for this case! From Anonymous: "The structures remind me of microsporidia. And because (a) trich...

Please join me in recognizing World Malaria Day . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) : World Malaria Day is a day for recogniz...

Answer: Plasmodium falciparum Anonymous said it well: "Rings galore, cells with multiple infections, applique forms, double chromatin ...