Spores of Henneguya salminicola in Human Stool Specimens

We were interested to read in a recent report from Canada about the finding of spores of Henneguya salminicola in human stool specimens (1). Henneguya spores detected in feces are referred to us from time to time for identification in the belief that they may be intestinal flagellates. From the morphological description and pictures (1) it is obvious that our examples are from the same species as those described by McClelland et al., although in Sweden they are called Henneguya zschokkei (Gurley 1894). Most specimens referred to us have come from northern Sweden, and the fish usually involved seems to be the fresh- and brackish-water salmonid whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus group) called “sik” in Swedish. Other fishes in which H. zschokkei has been observed include salmon, pike, perch, catfish, bream, and char. Incidentally, H. zschokkei spores are acid fast when stained by Ziehl-Neelsen stain.

Ed. Note: The authors of the original article did not feel a response was necessary.