Morphological characterization of Moniliformis moniliformis isolated from an Iraqi patient.

Infection with Moniliformis moniliformis is rare in Iraq since it has been recorded only twice by Ministry of Health. In the current study, the morphology of the parasite is evaluated to explain the basic structure of the parasite parasitizing a human body in Iraq, including the adult worm and the egg stage which is considered the diagnostic stage for the detection of the intestinal parasite in the stool sample. The assessment of the adult worm showed that it was white in color and had a pseudo-segmented shape, lacked the digestive system or alimentary canal, and was 133 mm in length. The anterior end bore the cylindrical-shaped proboscis armed with 13 rows of hooks, each with 7-8 hooks and measured 0.42 × 0.21 mm. The egg was oval-shaped, covered with three envelops, contained hooks, and was 0.083 to 0.116 mm in length. The current study was performed on a single specimen that was revealed to be female during the examination. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2020.