title: Paragordius varius.
abstract: We describe a 30-year-old man who presented with a tangled knot of worms that he "passed per rectum." The worms were identified as Paragordius varius. This is an uncommon pseudoparasite that is ingested from contaminated food or water. Identifying characteristics and the life cycle of Gordian worms are briefly discussed. Identification of this worm is important to distinguish it from true parasitic worms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46805.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Clevenger
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: McBride
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009348:Nematoda / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000469:parasitology*