Helminthiasis and intestinal worms Flashcards
what is helminthiasis?
Refers to parasitic worm infection
what are the types of intestinal worms?
Threadworm Tapeworms Round worms Hookworms Whipworms
Which worm is the most common cause of infection in children?
Threadworm
which worm is commonly found around sheep farming areas?
Tape worms
which worm is rare in NZ but it is the commonest helminthic infection in the world?
Round worm
what is the other name of threadworms?
Pinworms
why is threadworm infection common in children?
because of Hygiene problems
what is the main symptom and why of threadworm?
Pruritusani –itchyanus due to the worms laying the eggs around the anus.
when is the itch worse and why in threadworm infection?
Worse at night: female adult worm leaves anus to deposit eggs onto the skin around the anus
How is threadworm infection transmitted?
Infected child scratches anus ‐> eggs lodge beneath nails ‐> transfer to clothing and furniture ‐> uninfected child touches surface, puts hand to mouth and swallows eggs
do we have to treat close contact, like the parents?
Yes
what is the treatment for threadworm?
100 mg as a single dose; if reinfection occurs second dose may be needed after 2 weeks
what are other causes of pruritus ani? (differential diagnosis)
Iritation /dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Other infections e.g. yeast
- Haemorrhoids /analfissures/skintags
- Perianal fistula from Crohn’s
- Psychogenic - people who are stress often develop itch that can be around the anus too.
