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Case #260 – September, 2009

A 47-year-old woman presented a worm-like object to her doctor that she claims was found in the toilet following urination. The object, which measured seven millimeters in length, was preserved in formalin and sent to the local state health laboratory, which in turn sent the specimen to DPDx for diagnostic assistance. Figure A shows the entire object. Figures B and C show the anterior and posterior ends of the object, respectively. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

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/.