Answer to Case 539

Answer to Parasite Case of the Week 539:Hymenolepis nanaThis beautiful egg donated by Florida Fan nicely demonstrates all of the classic features ofH. nana,including the thin inner membrane surrounding the hooked oncosphere [*] from which polar filaments arise. The polar filaments arise from opposite poles of the inner membrane (arrows) and spread out into the space between the inner and outer membranes, thus providing a key differentiating feature from the filamentless-Hymenolepis diminuta.Blaine wrote a poem for this parasite back when I featured it in 2013. Here it is again for your enjoyment:There once was a kid from IndianaWho with his oatmeal did like bananaBut with his food he did eatA most wonderful treatThe cestode known as Hymenolepis nanaIf you google " oatmeal " and " bugs, " you will find multiple consumer complaints (and some nice YouTube videos) to explain the oatmeal reference!
Source: Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites - Category: Parasitology Source Type: blogs