Case #241 - December, 2008

A small, cream-colored worm-like object was discovered in the diaper of a 15-month-old child. The suspect worm was collected by the child’s parents and sent to the State Health Department for identification. A laboratorian at the State Laboratory identified the worm but requested confirmation. The specimen was sent to the Reference Laboratory at CDC for diagnostic assistance. Figures A and B show the gross morphology of the specimen. Figures C and D show smaller structures that were observed in the transport medium (10% formalin). These smaller structures were approximately 85 micrometers in length. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?

This case was kindly contributed by the Connecticut Department of Health.

Images presented in the monthly case studies are from specimens submitted for diagnosis or archiving. On rare occasions, clinical histories given may be partly fictitious.