February, 2008

Case 221
A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of geohelminth infections in school-age children living in Haiti. The laboratory aspect of the survey consisted of processing stool specimens which were collected in 10% formalin. Per protocol, the processing included performing an FEA (formalin-ethyl acetate) concentration and examination of a wet mount. The following images show what was found in one of the specimens. All images (Figures A-C) were taken at 200x magnification; Figures A and B are of the same field but at different focal planes. The lemon or barrel-shaped objects measured 50-55 micrometers in length. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

A	B

C

Click here for the answer to Case 221.

Case 222

Images were taken from a thick blood smear stained with hematoxylin from an adult male from Cameroon. The following images, A-C were all captured from the same field of view. Figure A was captured at 400x magnification; Figures B and C were captured at 1000x oil magnification. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

A	B

C

Click here for the answer to Case 222

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.