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Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)

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Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)

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High Yield Notes
22 pages
Flashcards

Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)

6 flashcards
Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

1 questions
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A 7-year-old boy is brought to the pediatrician by his parents for evaluation of abdominal pain, which has been ongoing for the past 2 weeks. The pain is dull and intermittent. In addition, the parents have noticed that the patient frequently scratches his perianal region while asleep. Temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F), blood pressure is 102/73 mmHg, and pulse is 87/min. Examination of the heart, lungs, and abdomen are unremarkable. Erythema is noted in the perianal region. A tape test is performed and reveals multiple ovoid eggs under microscopy. Which of the following pathogens is most likely responsible for this patient’s symptoms?  

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Summary

Enterobius vermicularis is a small parasitic worm that lives in the human large intestine. People get infected with pinworms via the feco-oral route, and its classical symptoms is pruritus around the anus, but can also cause insomnia, irritability, and weight loss. Diagnosis requires the visualization of the eggs on a scotch tape test.