Question

Which type of helminth infection can be diagnosed using tape? a. pinworm b. whipworm c. hookworm d. tapeworm

Short answer

The type of helminth infection that can be diagnosed using tape is a. pinworm.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Diagnostic Method

The 'tape test' is a diagnostic method used to confirm the presence of certain intestinal parasitic infections. A piece of clear adhesive tape is pressed against the perianal skin to collect possible worm eggs that may be present.

Identify the Helminth Diagnosed with Tape

The tape test is commonly used to diagnose pinworm infections (Enterobius vermicularis), as pinworms lay their eggs around the anus, which can be collected with the adhesive tape.

Eliminate the Incorrect Options

While pinworm infections are diagnosed using tape, the other options listed (whipworm, hookworm, and tapeworm) are not typically diagnosed using this method, as their eggs are usually diagnosed through stool samples.

Key concepts

Tape Test

The 'tape test' is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic technique specifically used to detect infections by Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworms. During the procedure, a clear, adhesive tape is gently pressed against the perianal area to collect eggs that pinworms may have deposited overnight.

This method is particularly effective because pinworms tend to lay their eggs on the skin around the anus, leading to intense itching. By performing the test in the morning before bathing or bowel movements, a higher yield of eggs on the tape can be expected. Once the tape is removed, it is placed on a microscope slide for examination. The presence of pinworm eggs under microscopic analysis confirms the diagnosis.

The tape test is often prescribed to be repeated over several consecutive days to improve the chances of detection, as egg-laying can be sporadic.

Pinworm Infection

A pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis, is one of the most common types of intestinal parasite infections, especially among children. The primary symptom is perianal itching, which typically worsens at night when the female worms migrate to the anus to deposit their eggs. These eggs can then contaminate bedding, clothing, and surfaces, leading to further spread when others touch these items and then ingest the eggs.

Upon ingestion, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the larvae mature into adults that migrate to the colon. The life cycle is approximately 4 to 6 weeks from egg ingestion to adult worms. Treatment is straightforward, usually involving medication that kills the adult worms, but hygiene improvements are crucial to break the cycle of re-infection.

Key Indicators of Pinworm Infection:

• Itchy anal area, especially at night
• Sleep disturbances from itching
• Visible worms in stool or on the perianal skin
• Eggs found on tape during the diagnostic test

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Infection can occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water, contact with contaminated surfaces, or by person-to-person transmission. Common intestinal parasites, aside from pinworms, include whipworm, hookworm, tapeworm, and Giardia lamblia, among others.

Symptoms of intestinal parasitic infections can vary but often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Long-term infections can lead to malnutrition and delayed growth in children. Diagnosis usually involves stool sample analysis under the microscope to detect eggs, cysts, or the parasites themselves.

Preventative measures include proper sanitation and hygiene, such as handwashing, proper sewage disposal, and safe food preparation practices. When traveling to areas with known risks, it may be advisable to consume only treated or bottled water, avoid raw foods, and take prophylactic measures, as recommended by health professionals.