Question

Enterobiasis is more common in young children. A primary reason is that young children: A. Share hats and caps B. Wear training pants C. Engage in imitative play D. Have hand-to-mouth contact

Short answer

Answer: The primary reason why enterobiasis is more common in young children is that they frequently have hand-to-mouth contact, which facilitates the fecal-oral transmission of the pinworm eggs.

Step-by-step solution

Understand enterobiasis

Enterobiasis, also known as pinworm infection, is an intestinal infection caused by the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis. The primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, which means that the infection is spread when an individual ingests pinworm eggs that have been contaminated from feces.

Evaluate each option against the mode of transmission

Now, examine each option and see which one is the most likely to contribute to the fecal-oral transmission of pinworm eggs: A. Share hats and caps - Sharing hats and caps doesn't typically involve contact with feces, so it's not a primary reason for the spread of enterobiasis. B. Wear training pants - Training pants may increase the likelihood of coming into contact with feces while changing, but they are not directly related to the fecal-oral transmission route. C. Engage in imitative play - Imitative play doesn't necessarily involve contact with feces or the ingestion of pinworm eggs. D. Have hand-to-mouth contact - This behavior is most closely related to the fecal-oral route of transmission. Hand-to-mouth contact can result in ingesting pinworm eggs if the hands have been contaminated from touching surfaces with pinworm eggs or directly from feces.

Pick the most related behavior

Based on the evaluation in Step 2, Option D (Have hand-to-mouth contact) is the most related behavior to the fecal-oral route of transmission, which is the primary mode of transmission for enterobiasis. Therefore, the correct answer is: D. Have hand-to-mouth contact

Key concepts

Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infection, medically known as enterobiasis, is a common intestinal disease caused by a tiny parasite called Enterobius vermicularis. It's particularly common in young children, who are more susceptible to picking up this infection, especially in group settings like schools and daycare centers.

Pinworms are small, white worms that resemble threads when visible. The primary symptom of a pinworm infection is itchy discomfort around the anal area, especially at night when the female worms lay their eggs. This itching can lead to disturbed sleep and irritability.

Diagnosis usually involves identifying eggs or worms. This can be done using the "tape test," where tape is pressed to the anal area and checked under a microscope for eggs. Treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription medications to effectively eradicate the infection.

Fecal-Oral Transmission

The fecal-oral transmission is the main method by which pinworm infections spread from one individual to another. This mode of transmission begins when the microscopic eggs from pinworms make their way into the body through the mouth.

This usually occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Since pinworm eggs can survive on surfaces for long periods, they can easily be transferred to a person's hands and then to their mouth.

To prevent fecal-oral transmission, maintaining good hand hygiene is critical. Regular hand washing, particularly before meals and after using the restroom, is essential. Ensuring that living environments are clean, particularly where children learn and play, also plays a significant role in hindering the spread of pinworms.

Young Children Health Education

Educating young children about health and hygiene is vital in preventing the transmission of infections such as enterobiasis. Young children often engage in behaviors, like putting objects in their mouths, that increase their risk of infection.

Teaching children to wash their hands properly and frequently can significantly reduce the incidence of pinworm infections. Simple strategies, like singing a short song while washing hands, can help children spend enough time doing this important precautionary measure.

Encouraging regular nail trimming can prevent eggs from getting trapped under children's nails, which is another vector for transferring the infection. Moreover, parents and educators should model good hygiene practices themselves, setting a strong example for children to follow.