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Case #291 – January, 2011

A state health laboratory sent a formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) stool concentrate to the DPDx Team for Entamoeba confirmation/identification. Because formalin was used in the preservation and processing of the specimen, PCR could not be employed to rule-out E. histolytica. A wet mount was made and examined microscopically. Figure A shows an object observed in moderate numbers on the wet mount at 1000x magnification. The object measured 12 micrometers in diameter. Figures BD show the same object but in different focal planes. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

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/.