Pinworms: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 5-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician by her mother, who reports anal itching at night and noticed a small white thread-like worm in the child's underwear. Which of the following is the most likely causative organism?
A. Strongyloides stercoralis
B. Enterobius vermicularis
C. Trichuris trichiura
D. Ascaris lumbricoides
E. Ancylostoma duodenale
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Enterobius vermicularis
Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis vermicularis, is a human parasitic disease caused by the pinworm (a type of roundworm). The most common symptom is itching in the anal area. This can make sleeping difficult. The disease is spread among people by pinworm eggs. As a patient itches the anal area where the eggs are located, the eggs cling to the fingers and can easily be transmitted to other people either directly or through food or surfaces. The eggs can thrive for 2-3 weeks on an inanimate object. Strongyloides causes cutaneous larva migrans. Trichuris and Ascaris reside in the intestine. Ancylostoma inhabits the small bowel and does not cause perianal pruritus.
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Infectious Disease ⇒ ⇒
