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Enterobiasis
[Enterobius vermicularis]

The eggs of Enterobius vermicularis measure 50-60 µm by 20-30 µm , are elongate-oval and slightly flattened on one side.  They are usually partially-embryonated when shed.  Enterobiasis can be diagnosed by applying cellulose tape to the anus of a suspect patient, especially in the morning before the patient's first bowel movement.  Eggs will adhere to the tape and can be seen microscopically.

E. vermicularis, cellulose-tape preperation. E. vermicularis, wet mount.
A B

A:  Eggs of E. vermicularis in a cellulose-tape preparation.
B:  Eggs of E. vermicularis in a wet mount.

E. vermicularis, wet mount E. vermicularis egg
C D

C:  Egg of E. vermicularis in an iodine-stained wet mount from a formalin concentrate.  Image contributed by the Kansas State Public Health Laboratory.
D:  Egg of E. vermicularis teased from an adult worm recovered from a colonoscopy.  Image contributed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Laboratories.

E. vermicularis, UV microscopy E. vermicularis, UV microscopy
E F

E, F:  Eggs of E. vermicularis viewed under UV microscopy.

 
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