Pinworms Flashcards
What causes Pinworms?
Enterobius vermicularis
T/F : Pinworms are common.
T
Who is commonly infected with pinworms?
5-10 year olds
What are the hosts of pinworms?
Humans are the only natural hosts. NOT animals.
Are pinworms communicable?
Yes. they can spread between family members or in crowded living conditions (spread by contaminated objects or by ingestion of eggs)
What are the most common symptoms associated with pinworms?
itching around anus, usually worse at night.
inflammatory response, can get secondary infections
T/F : pinworms rarely migrate to vagina or urinary tracts?
T.
How do you diagnose pinworms?
visual diagnosis using the “scotch tape” test.
use 3 tapes at different times
How do you treat pinworms?
Same drugs as for helminth.
deworming drugs (mebendzole (vermox), albendazole).
What other precautions should you take when a person is infected with pinworms.
Often treat entire family.
Need to launder bedding & toys for over 3 weeks. good personal hygiene for all family members for 2 weeks, launder pajamas and underwear daily for 2 wks.
