What Causes Orange Colored Stool With Tiny Worms?

Posted on Sun, 18 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 18 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I found something odd in my toddler's (19 month old) stool - it seems to be a gummy-type of substance, orange-ish in color, shaped like tiny worms; these were scattered throughout my son's stool (which was otherwise totally normal - not loose). I am not sure if this is a fat globule or not. Uh, I also took a picture if you need it (totally gross). This is the second day I noticed these things in his stool (which otherwise looks normal in color, consistency etc). Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Venkata Subrahmanaym Mukkavilli (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It looks like worm infestation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for asking question on health care magic.
It looks more or less like worm infestation most probably round worms.
But from the picture you have sent,it is not possible get to the diagnosis correctly.
The microscopic examination of the stool is necessary to study the eggs of the worms.
The round worm eggs are oval shaped.bile stained and have a wavy border.
These worms spread by feco oral route.
But in a country like United states this is very rare unless they visit some tropical country like XXXXXXX recently.
If the diagnosis is confirmed then the treatment is Albendazole to be taken in consultation of you doctor.
Hope this answer will serve your purpose
Please feel free to ask any more queries if required
Take care
Dr.M.V.Subrahmanyam MD;DCH
Associate professor of pediatrics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T