Strongyloides stercoralis

Free-living nematode larva in fecal preparation (trichrome stain, high power). Free-living nematode larvae may sometimes be found in fecal or cytologic specimens, and both may be a result of contamination of staining solutions. The granular appearance of this organism suggests a free-living larva that is not a parasite. However, since larvae of Strongyloides are found in fecal smears, bronchial washings, and sputum, the larvae must be studied to rule out infection with Strongyloides.