Case #187 - September, 2006
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A 35-year-old man was seen by a physician for diarrhea and abdominal pain. An ova and parasites (O & P) examination was ordered, along with other tests. The objects in Figures A and B were seen on a modified acid-fast stained stool smear and measured 8 to 10 µm. The images were taken at 1000× magnification. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?
Figure A
Image B
Case Answer
The objects shown in this case were oocysts of Cyclospora sp., mostly likely C. cayetanensis. Diagnostic features were:
- the size range, which was consistent with Cyclospora sp.
- oocysts that stained variably and had a wrinkled appearance in modified acid-fast stain, another characteristic of Cyclospora sp.
More on: Cyclosporiasis
The images in this case were kindly contributed by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory.
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.
DPDx is an education resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists. For an overview including prevention and control visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/.
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- Page last updated: August 24, 2016
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