Answer to Case 605

 Answer toParasite Case of the Week 605: Earthworm, an oligochaete. As a segmented annelid, these worms usually have a few setae (i.e., bristles) on their outer body surface, as seen in this case, which aid in their identification, and differentiation from large parasitic worms such asAscaris lumbricoides.As so nicely stated by Florida Fan, " Did we say “after the bowel movement”? Good thing the patient did not pass it out. Yes, we have seen this annelid a few times. (SeeCase 545,Case 344, andCase 234). It always shows the locomotive spicules on each ring of the body. A diligent, hardworking creature, it bores it tunnels through the rich loam most often ignored by most, it aerates its living Earth. Gardeners prize it for its urine and pellets, fisherman love it as their succulent wiggling bait irresistible to passing fish. Yet the humble night crawler got its place in French poetry in the poem “Le lombric’’. One time, I was formally complained to the medical director for signing the report as ‘’earth worm’’, the sample was referred to the State Laboratory where it was confirmed as being aLumbricus terrestris. Yes this harmless worm can give a panic to a few caring parents. Well, long story short I should stop before being reprimanded for being ‘’Le Grand Bavard’’. "Don ' t worry Florida Fan - we will not accuse you of being a big talker, as we greatly appreciate your stories and descriptions!Now to answer the question that one reader raised on T...
Source: Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites - Category: Parasitology Source Type: blogs