Interpretation of lung biopsies with parasitic versus pseudoparasitic structures: Artifacts that resemble parasites and parasites that resemble artifacts

The surgical pathologist occasionally comes across structures that raise a possible diagnosis of a parasitic disease. Parasitic diseases are common in some parts of the world but uncommon in developed countries. Therefore, most pathologists may not have enough experience in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases, and when structures that resemble a microorganism are observed, overt interpretation may occur since sometimes artifacts appear as parasitic structures. This chapter discusses common artifacts that resemble parasites and parasites that mimic artifacts and gives guidelines on how to avoid errors of interpretation.

Duke Scholars

Author Sergio Pina-Oviedo Pathology