Parasitology Artifacts - Strongyloides stercoralis artifacts

Table of Contents > Helminths > Intestinal Nematodes > Strongyloides stercoralis > S. stercoralis artifacts

Strongyloides stercoralis artifacts

Phase Contrast x 100
Strongyloides stercoralis		Hookworm larva

In areas where Strongyloides and hookworm infection both exist, it is sometimes necessary to differentiate between these two parasites. Hook-worm first-stage larva could be confused with Strongyloides larvae that are passed in stools. The larva of hookworm has a longer, tubular buccal cavity and the genital primordium is not evident. Strongyloides have a short buccal cavity and a prominent genital primordium.

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Strongyloides stercoralis		Peach fuzz

Fuzz from peaches are seen frequently in stools. They can be confused with Strongyloides or other nematode larvae by the inexperienced eye.

Plant Hair
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The refractile central canal should not be mistaken for the well differentiated esophagus and intestine of a Nematode larva.

Although one end of a hair may be tapering and smoothly rounded as a nematode larvae, the other end usually is blunt and irregular - a feature not seen in a larval parasite.

Plant hairs are usually straight, but when flexed, as at left, can be interpreted as larvae.

The approximate lengths and widths of hair are consistent with the sizes of Strongyloides and other nematode larvae.
	Plant hair Phase Contrast Microscopy x 100

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