Diagnostic Parasitology

Diphyllobothrium latum
 
Diphyllobothrium latum is one of the largest tapeworms found in humans; the adult  measures up to 10 meters in length and contains up to 3,000 proglottids. The operculated ova measure about 60 to 75 µm by 40 to 50 µm. The operculum in this image is just visible (arrow).
The scolex of D. latum has two bothria (sucking grooves). Humans acquire the infection by ingesting larvae in the flesh of undercooked fish.


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Copyright 2008 Don Lehman