Variations in egg size ofTrichuris trichiura (original) (raw)

Abstract

In patients infected with_Trichuris trichiura_, large eggs as well as more typical eggs were frequently found in the feces; these large eggs have been attributed to human infection by_T. vulpis_. To clarify whether the female worms laying the large eggs were_T. trichiura_ or_T. vulpis_, we examined the morphology of adult worms and the size of whipworm eggs obtained from a patient and from several domestic dogs. Adult female_T. trichiura_ worms were easily and quickly distinguished from those of_T. vulpis_ by their convoluted vaginal tracts and uteri. Eggs obtained from the uteri of_T. trichiura_ were of two sizes, with approximately 80% being of the smaller variety (57×26 μm) and 20%, the larger (78×30 μm). These percentages were about equal to those found the feces of the patient.T. vulpis uterine eggs were slightly larger (82×39 μm) than the large eggs of_T. trichiura_. The distribution of the 2 populations of eggs in 30 adult female_T. trichiura_ was as follows: 1 worm had only large eggs, 14 had only the typical smaller eggs, and 15 had both varieties in their uteri.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Medical Zoology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi, Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, 602, Kyoto, Japan
   H. Yoshikawa, M. Yamada, Y. Matsumoto & Y. Yoshida

Authors

1. H. Yoshikawa
2. M. Yamada
3. Y. Matsumoto
4. Y. Yoshida

Additional information

Contribution No. 630 from the Department of Medical Zoology, Kyoto, Prefectural University of Medicine

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Yoshikawa, H., Yamada, M., Matsumoto, Y. et al. Variations in egg size of_Trichuris trichiura_.Parasitol Res 75, 649–654 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00930964

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• Accepted: 17 January 1989
• Issue date: August 1989
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00930964

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