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Case #151 – March, 2005

A 39-year-old female had a descending colon biopsy to determine the cause of symptoms that included chronic abdominal pain and discomfort. No pertinent travel history was known. Worm-like objects were detected during the biopsy, and some were recovered. The specimens were sent to the South Carolina state health department laboratory for identification. Lab personnel at the state took digital images (Figures A-C) and sent them to DPDx at CDC for assistance in making an identification via telediagnosis. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

This case was kindly contributed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Laboratories.

Images presented in the DPDx case studies are from specimens submitted for diagnosis or archiving. On rare occasions, clinical histories given may be partly fictitious.

DPDx is an educational resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists. For an overview including prevention, control, and treatment visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/.