September, 2006

Case 187:
A 35-year-old man was seen by a physician for diarrhea and abdominal pain.  An ova and parasites (O & P) examination was ordered, along with other tests.  The objects in Figures A and B were seen on a modified acid-fast stained stool smear and measured 8 to 10 µm.  The images were taken at 1000× magnification.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?

A	B

Acknowledgement: The images in this case were kindly contributed by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory.

Click here for the answer to Case 187.

Case 188:
A hospital submitted blood films to CDC’s reference laboratory for identification of the microfilariae that were seen on the films.  The object in Figure A was seen on a Wright-Giemsa stained blood film and measured approximately 180 µm.  The object in B was seen on a Giemsa stained blood film and measured approximately 240-250 µm.  Both A and B were taken at 500× magnification.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?

A

B

Click here for the answer to Case 188.

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.