Urinalysis Case Study - Pinworm
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What is Pinworm?
Enterobius vermicularis, also known as pinworm, is one of the most common gatrointestinal parasites that infect humans. Pinworm is spread via the fecal-oral route, and infections occur most commonly in school-age or preschool-age children.
Female pinworms will lay thousands of eggs in the anal region while the infected person is sleeping. Symptoms of pinworm infection are usually mild and include itching and irritation; however, many infected patients do not experience symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of E. vermicularis is made by identifying worms or ova on the patient’s skin or in clothing or bedding. The most effective method for sample collection is the ‘tape test’ where cellophane tape is pressed to the skin soon after waking and before using the toilet or showering. The tape is then placed on a slide and inspected under the microscope to look for pinworm eggs. Sample collection for three consecutive days detects 90% of infections.
E. vermicularis eggs are not typically found in urine or stool samples, however, may be present as a result of contamination from the surrounding region. Rarely, urinary tract infection can occur by ectopic movement of pinworms.
Morphology/Features:
- Adult males measure approximately 2.5 mm long with adult females measuring up to four times larger
- Adult females possess a long, pointed tail which serves as the source of the name ’pinworm’
- Eggs are elongated (50-60 μm) and slightlyflattened
on one side
Resources:
Choudhury S, Kumar B, Pal DK. Enterobius vermicularis infestation of
urinary tract leading to recurrent urinary tract infection. Trop Parasitol.
2017 Jul-Dec;7(2):119-121.
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/gen_info/faqs
https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/enterobiasis/index.html
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