Human Helminthiasis (worm identification)

Human heminthiasis includes infections with:

• Nematodes. For example:
  • Ascaris lumbricoides,
  • Gnathostoma spp
  • Hookworm
  • Angiostrongylus cantonensis
  • Anisakis spp
  • Enterobius vermicularis
  • Trichinella spp
  • Microfilaria 
  • Toxocara spp,
• Trematodes, for example:.
  • Paragonimus spp.
  • Fasciola hepatica
  • Clonorchis sinensis
• Cestodes, for example:
  • Taenia spp.,
  • Dipylidium caninum,
  • Diphyllobothrium latum 
  • Hydatid disease.

Please note this is NOT an exhaustive list.

For specific information on individual helminth infections please refer to the relevant section(s) of this manual.

Detection/identification of human helminths of medical importance by microscopy

• Sample type: Tapeworm segments for identification (see also section on Cysticercosis) – please send in saline. DO NOT send in formalin or other fixative agent as this prevents identification beyond genus level.

HIGH RISK stickers must be used if Taenia solium is suspected.

• Sample type: Other worms, part or whole – please send as they are or in saline, DO NOT send in formalin or other fixative agent.
• Sample type: Standard Stool samples – please forwarded with minimum delay.(A minimum of two separate samples should be examined before a diagnosis is excluded.)

Detection/identification of human helminths of medical importance by Serology

• Serology in-house is available for Cysticercosis, Fascioliasis, Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Strongyloidiasis, Toxocariasis, Trichinosis and Hydatid. Paragonimiasis, Angiostrongyliasis, Anasikiasis and Gnathostomiasis are referral tests and not conducted at the HTD. Please see individual sections of this website for information on these.
• We are unable to provide serological diagnosis for other helminth infections.