Diagnostic Findings [Last Modified: ]
Trichuriasis
[Trichuris trichiura]
Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Microscopy

T. trichiura egg T. trichiura egg
A B

A, B: Trichuris trichiura eggs (wet preparation).  The diagnostic characteristics are:

  • a typical barrel shape
  • two polar plugs, that are unstained
  • size: 50 to 54 µm by 22 to 23 µm

The external layer of the shell of the egg is yellow-brown (in contrast to the clear polar plugs).  The egg is unembryonated, as eggs are when passed with the stool.

T. trichiura eggs T. trichiura eggs
C D

C, D: Trichuris trichiura eggs.  Figures show side-by-side eggs with regular (white arrows) and larger (black arrows) size eggs.

Atypical Trichuris egg Atypical Trichuris egg Atypical Trichuris egg
E F G

E, F, G: Atypical Trichuris sp. eggs.
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