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Case #279 – July, 2010
While examining a malaria-positive smear on a patient from Uganda, microbiologists at the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion observed what they believed to be a microfilaria. Images were captured and sent via email to the DPDx Team for diagnostic assistance. Figure A shows the object of interest, which measured approximately 200 micrometers in length. Figures B and C show close-ups of the anterior and posterior ends, respectively. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C
This case and images were courtesy of the Parasitology Department, Public Health Lab, Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP), Toronto, Canada.
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/.