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Pinworm Infection: Diagnosis and Risks

A mother took her 2-year-old child to the pediatrician for a severe anal rash, prompting a cellophane tape test to check for pinworm infection. The test is appropriate as it detects Enterobius vermicularis eggs, which cause itching and irritation. Pinworm infections are acquired through the fecal-oral route and can lead to autoinfection, while poor hygiene may also increase the risk of other fecal-oral transmitted parasites.

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75 views2 pages

Pinworm Infection: Diagnosis and Risks

A mother took her 2-year-old child to the pediatrician for a severe anal rash, prompting a cellophane tape test to check for pinworm infection. The test is appropriate as it detects Enterobius vermicularis eggs, which cause itching and irritation. Pinworm infections are acquired through the fecal-oral route and can lead to autoinfection, while poor hygiene may also increase the risk of other fecal-oral transmitted parasites.

Uploaded by

juludyehya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A mother brought her 2-year-old child to the pediatrician to examine a severe

rash in the child’s anal region. She re-ported that the child was observed
scratching the area repeatedly. The physician performed a cellophane tape test
and sent it to the laboratory for analysis. The laboratory scientist noted the
parasitic form in the accompanying figure.

1. Was the correct test performed? Why?

Yes, the cellophane tape test was the correct diagnostic method. This test is specifically used to
detect Enterobius vermicularis (commonly known as pinworm) eggs. Pinworms lay their eggs
around the perianal region, particularly at night, leading to itching and irritation. The cellophane
tape collects the eggs from the skin, which can then be identified under a microscope. The
symptoms described—perianal itching and scratching—are classic signs of pinworm
infection.

2. How is this parasitic infection acquired? How is it maintained within the


infected patient?

 Acquisition:
Pinworm infection is acquired through the fecal-oral route. The child may have
ingested embryonated eggs from contaminated hands, food, bedding, or surfaces. This
can happen directly (touching the anal area and then the mouth) or indirectly through
contact with contaminated objects.
 Maintenance:
Once ingested, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the larvae migrate to
the colon where they mature. Female worms migrate to the perianal region at night to
lay eggs, causing itching. Scratching the area can lead to re-infection
(autoinfection) when contaminated fingers touch the mouth. Eggs can also
become airborne and inhaled, leading to further spread.
3. What other parasites may be transmitted with this organism?

While Enterobius vermicularis is not typically associated with the transmission of other
parasites directly, individuals with pinworm infections may be at risk for other fecal-oral
transmitted parasites due to similar hygiene lapses. Some examples include:

 Giardia lamblia – causes giardiasis, leading to diarrhea and abdominal cramps.


 Ascaris lumbricoides – causes ascariasis, leading to intestinal obstruction and
respiratory symptoms.
 Trichuris trichiura – causes whipworm infection, leading to diarrhea and growth
retardation in children.

Note: Co-infection is more likely in environments with poor sanitation or in crowded living
conditions.

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