Diagnostic Findings [Last Modified: ]
Diphyllobothriasis
[Diphyllobothrium latum] [Diphyllobothrium spp.]
Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Microscopy

Diphyllobothrium latum egg Diphyllobothrium latum egg
A B

A, B: Eggs of Diphyllobothrium latum.  These eggs are oval or ellipsoidal, with an operculum at one end that can be inconspicuous.  At the opposite (abopercular) end is a small knob that can be barely discernible.  The eggs are passed in the stool unembryonated.  Size range: 58 to 76 µm by 40 to 51 µm. 

Diphyllobothrium latum egg Diphyllobothrium latum egg
C D

C, D: Eggs of Diphyllobothrium latum.  These eggs are oval or ellipsoidal, with an operculum (arrows) at one end that can be inconspicuous (D).  At the opposite (abopercular) end is a small knob that can be barely discernible (C).  The eggs are passed in the stool unembryonated.  Size range: 58 to 76 µm by 40 to 51 µm.  C: Contributed by Georgia Division of Public Health.

Diphyllobothrium latum proglottids
E

E: Proglottids of Diphyllobothrium latum.  These proglottids tend to be passed in strands of variable length in the stool.  The proglottids tend to be broader than long.  Image contributed by Georgia Division of Public Health.

Diphyllobothrium latum proglottids
F

F: Proglottids of Diphyllobothrium latum.  The species characteristics are: the proglottid is broader than it is long; size 2 to 4 mm long by 10 to 12 mm wide; uterus coiled in rosette appearance; genital pore at the center of the proglottid.
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