Saturday, November 12, 2016

Answer to Case 422

Answer: Taenia species, egg

As Deepak described, the characteristic features include the small size, yellow-brown color and thick radially striated shell. Note the presence of a six-hooked embryo (oncosphere) inside.

Unfortunately you can't tell the different Taenia species (i.e. Taenia solium, T. saginata, T. asiatica) apart from the egg alone. This would require molecular testing and/or examination of the scolex or proglottid morphology.

Thanks again to Florida Fan for donating this classic example of a Taenia eggs.

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