Diagnostic methods

Parasitological diagnosis
Patients often observe short segments of the tapeworm (chain of proglottids) in their stools.
It is not difficult to confirm diagnosis by detecting the numerous eggs by microscopy. D. latum eggs are morphologically similar to operculated trematode eggs. Measurements allow differentiating D. latum (length under 80 µm) from Paragonimus westermani, which has larger eggs.

Molecular diagnosis
No test developed

Antigen detection
No test available

Antibody detection
Serology inadequate for diagnosis

Diagnostic strategies

Besides parasitological methods, no special diagnostic strategy is needed!