Threadworm

Question 1

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine of humans, and is the most common worm manifestation in the UK. What % of pre-school and primary care children will have or have had threadworm infestation?

1 - 1-2%
2 - 5-10%
3 - 20-30%
4 - 50-60%

Answer 1

3 - 20-30%

Most common in people <18 years old, but 4 to 11 are most frequently affected with male children slightly more likely to have an infestation.

Question 2

Up to 30% of pre-school and primary care children will have or have had threadworm infestation. Do all patients present with symptoms?

Answer 2

• No

Some may be asymptomatic, but most common symptom is an itchy bum

Question 3

Are males or females more likely to develop threadworm?

Answer 3

• males

Question 4

How is threadworms contracted?

1 - contaminated water
2 - contaminated food
3 - faecal-oral route
4 - bodily fluid transmission

Answer 4

3 - faecal-oral route

Ingested by hand-to-mouth transfer after scratching or by handling contaminated surfaces such as toys, bedding, or clothing

Question 5

Once infected, how long is it before the larvae emerge and mature before making their way to the anus and peri-anal?

1 - <24h
2 - 1-2 days
3 - 1-3 weeks
4 - 1-2 months

Answer 5

4 - 1-2 months

Once mature threadworms survive for around 6 weeks

Question 6

Itching is the predominant symptom in patients with threadworm. Is this worse during the day or night?

Answer 6

• evening

If patient presents with lots of itching in the evening, think threadworm

Question 7

What is the most commonly occurring problem caused by irritation threadworm infection?

1 - bacterial infection
2 - viral infection
3 - IBD
4 - anal cancer

Answer 7

1 - bacterial infection

Question 8

How can threadworms be diagnosed?

1 - examine peri-anal and anal area for excoriation
2 -examine peri-anal and anal area for secondary bacterial infection
3 - examine perianal area and stool for threadworms using a torch
4 - use salotape on peri-anal and anal area before washing for evidence of threadworms
5 - all of the above

Answer 8

5 - all of the above

Tape may need to be examined on 3 consecutive mornings to confirm diagnosis.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct treatment for threadworms?

1 - mebendazole
2 - amoxicillin
3 - dimeticone
4 - acyclovir

Answer 9

1 - mebendazole

This is an anthelmintic (parasitic killer)

Patients should be be encouraged and advised about good hygiene as well