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Case #220 – January, 2008

A woman found a worm in her laundry basket and contacted the health department in her state for assistance. She reported small children in the household, as well as dogs and cats. The worm was examined at the state health laboratory; it measured approximately 7.5 centimeters in length (Figure A). Eggs were removed from the worm and an iodine-stained wet mount was made. Images were sent to DPDx for diagnostic assistance. Figure B was taken at 100× magnification. Figure C was taken at 400× magnification and measured approximately 75 micrometers. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria? What other feature(s) would be helpful for identification?

This case and the images were kindly contributed by the Alaska State Public Health Laboratory.

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/.