October, 2003

Case 117:
A survey of intestinal parasites in school-aged children was conducted in a village in Kenya.  Specimens were sent to a reference laboratory for processing and parasite identification.  A microscope capable of UV fluorescence microscopy was available to screen for Cyclospora cayetanensis after completing a standard FEA concentration.  Figures A and B show what was found in one of the samples.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?

A	B

Click here for the answer to Case 117.

Case 118:
An outbreak of diarrhea affecting persons from one year of age to 70 years of age occurred in the Northeast region of Kansas.  Fecal specimens were collected in 10% formalin and concentrated using the FEA concentration method.  Direct fluorescent antibody assays (Merifluor DFA kits) were performed on the samples by the county and state health departments.  To date, test results confirmed that over a hundred specimens had the objects shown in Figure A.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?  Figure B shows what was found in 5 specimens tested.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?

A	B

Acknowledgement: This case kindly provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Douglas County Health Department.

Click here for the answer to Case 118.

Images presented in the monthly case studies are from specimens submitted for diagnosis or archiving.  On rare occasions, clinical histories given may be partly fictitious.