[Last Modified: ]

June 2010
Answer to Case 278

The slide showed a case of coenurosis which is caused by infection with the metacestode larval stage (coenurus) of Taenia multiceps or T. serialis.  The presence of protoscoleces ruled-out sparganosis (caused by Spirometra spp.).  The presence of more than one protoscolex within the cyst ruled-out cysticercosis (caused by Taenia solium).  The thin cyst wall lacking a laminated layer ruled-out echinococcosis (caused by Echinococcus sp.).  Coenuri may be found in most tissue types, but those of T. multiceps have a predilection for the central nervous system and eye; those of T. serialis are usually found in subcutaneous tissue.

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