Egg of Taenia sp.

France, CHU Toulouse Parasitologie-Mycologie

Egg (probably of T. saginata) is enveloped by a very thick (about 5 µm) striated brown shell. It contains an embryo, or onchosphere, that bears 3 pairs of hooklets. Two pairs are apparent on this pic. Merthiolate-Iodine-Formalin concentrate also uses eosin, what explains the red tint (X100 lens).