Through a variety of tissue sample collection, processing, and cataloging of light microscopic data, the images and patient symptoms suggest the emergence of a novel eukaryotic mammalian pathogen/parasite. This putative parasite appears to be capable of maintaining a patent infection in some mammalian hosts. These hosts may have a selective immunodeficiency permitting the persistence of this, likely novel, species. We believe that it may belong to the tunicate or crustacean families. PCR sequencing has been attempted, but returned incomplete.

Attached are images of what we believe to be an adult specimen. The main portion of the body appears to be covered in a shell like casing, with feeding "plumes" that extend out of the shell through a lever system. These images show plumes leaking out from various positions of the shell. The dorsal plume is the longest, and can be seen the most clearly in these images. They are stained with tryptan blue. One set is the three specimens wet mount, the other, the same specimens dried. Thoughts and feedback appreciated!