Threadworm

Question 1

Threadworm infection are caused

Answer 1

Pinworm

Question 2

A nematode is an ……

Answer 2

Intestinal parasite

Question 3

Pinworm associated with threadworm is

Answer 3

Enterobuis vermicularis

Question 4

The life cycle of pinworm is called

Answer 4

Itch-scratch cycle

Question 5

Describe the itch scratch cycle

Answer 5

• The child becomes infected with the pinworm,
• the worms mature in the small intestines and the colon
• and as they mature the female worms will migrate to the rectum.
• During the night, as the child sleeps, the female worm will lay eggs around the child’s perianal area, the process of this will make the child itch.
• As the child itches this area of the body, the eggs will accumulate under the child’s fingernails
• if they do not wash their hands, the next time they put their hands in their mouths, the infection will start all over again.
Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is important to treat the infection

Question 6

In order to identify if patient does has a threadworm infection, what would you do?

Answer 6

samples can be taken and sent to the Microbiology laboratory.

Question 7

Microbiology sample to collect durin parasitic infestation are?

Answer 7

1. Stool sample

2. Sellotape slide

Question 8

What is the first line treatment of Threadworm infestation

Answer 8

Mebendazole

Question 9

Contraindication of Mebendazole

Answer 9

Mebendazole treatment is unsuitable for a number of patients, such as those under the age of six months and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Question 10

What kind of treatment is given to patient who cant take mebendazole

Answer 10

In these patient groups physical treatment is the best option for them

Question 11

Physical treatments offered to patients who cant take mebendazole are?

Answer 11

• Wash the perianal areas first thing in the
morning, this will remove any newly laid eggs
and will help to break the itch, scratch cycle.
• Washing or wet-wiping at 3 hourly intervals
during the day (a minimum of twice daily, if three
hourly is difficult). This again will reduce the risk
of egg transmission, helping to break the itch-
scratch cycle.
• This exercise should continue for six weeks and can also be used as an adjunct to drug treatment.

Question 12

Other considerations

Answer 12

When treating a patient for threadworm, you also need to consider if all members of the family should be treated.
The answer to this question is yes. In order to eliminate the infection, all members of the family should be treated even if they are not showing any symptoms.

Question 13

when you should refer a patient to seek advice from the GP?

Answer 13

• If they are infected during pregnancy
• If they are breastfeeding
• If the patient is under 2 years of age

Question 14

Hygiene advise to the patient, to reduce the risk of transmission to others, and to maximize the chance of breaking the itch-scratch cycle. Advise would include:

Answer 14

• Wash all nightclothes, bed linen, towels, and soft
toys.
• Avoid shaking any material such as clothing or
bed sheets – they may be contaminated with
eggs.
• Keep fingernails short, this will reduce the risk of
eggs accumulating under the nails themselves.
• Discourage nail-biting and sucking fingers.
Reducing the time nails/fingers are put into the
mouth, will break the itch scratch cycle.
.Wear close-fitting underwear at night and change
underwear every morning. This will help to reduce
itching at night.
.Bath or shower regularly, as this will help to remove
eggs from the perianal area.
.Avoid the use of ‘communal’ or shared towels or
flannels.