Hymenolepis diminuta – Egg

  • Detected in faecal specimens of infected human or rodent
  • Eggs embryonated when passed
  • Egg infective to intermediate host – arthropods
Diagnostic Features
  • Size: 72 µm (range: 70-86 µm x 60-80 µm)
  • Shape: Round or slightly oval
  • Colour: Yellow brown
  • Shell has 2 membranes: a striated outer membrane and a thin inner membrane
  • Space between membranes may appear smooth or faintly granular
  • Two slight polar thickenings on inner membrane – but not very visible
  • No polar filaments
  • Contains a 6-hooked oncosphere inside shell
Magnification x4
Magnification x10
Magnification x40