Worm or wool That is the question

Abstract

With an increase in migration and travel, physicians should have an index of suspicion for parasitic infection. Parasitic worms that can affect the lung include trematodes, protozoa and nematodes [1]. Diagnostic investigations such as serology are prone to cross-reactions [2]. Blood eosinophilia may be absent in immunocompromised patients with Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome [3]. In addition, Ascaris eggs are only passed in the stool following pulmonary symptom resolution, and many non-infectious causes of pulmonary eosinophilia have been described [1]. Therefore, direct microscopy is a valuable option to identify the parasite when larvae migrate to the lungs, which is common for many parasitic infections.