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[Diphyllobothrium latum] [Diphyllobothrium spp.]

Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs are oval or ellipsoidal and range in size from 55 to 75 µm by 40 to 50 µm. There is an operculum at one end that can be inconspicuous, and at the opposite (abopercular) end is a small knob that can be barely discernible. The eggs are passed in the stool unembryonated.

A	B

A, B:  Eggs of D. latum in an iodine-stained wet mount. Note the knob at the abopercular end in Figure B. Images courtesy of the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory.

C	D

C:  Eggs of D. latum within a proglottid. Image courtesy of the Florida State Public Health Laboratory.
D:  Eggs of D. latum within a proglottid.

E	F

E, F:  Eggs of D. latum in an unstained wet mount. The opercula are open in Figure F.