Which parasite typically presents with anal pruritus in children?

Which parasite typically presents with anal pruritus in children?

• A. Taenia saginata
• B. Enterobius vermicularis
• C. Ascaris lumbricoides
• D. Hookworm

Answer: (B)

Anal pruritus in children is most commonly due to pinworm infection, caused by Enterobius vermicularis. The female worms migrate to the perianal area at night to lay eggs, which provokes intense itching and leads to scratching. This itching often disrupts sleep and promotes autoinfection or spread to other children through contaminated hands, bedding, or clothing. Other parasites can cause gastrointestinal symptoms or anemia, but they don’t characteristically present with nocturnal perianal itching in kids. Diagnosis is usually made with a simple tape test in the morning to capture eggs around the anus. Treatment involves anthelmintic therapy for the patient and all household members (for example, albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate) with a repeat dose 2–3 weeks later to kill any new hatchlings, along with strict hygiene measures like handwashing, regular laundering of bedding and underwear, and nail trimming to prevent reinfection.

Anal pruritus in children is most commonly due to pinworm infection, caused by Enterobius vermicularis. The female worms migrate to the perianal area at night to lay eggs, which provokes intense itching and leads to scratching. This itching often disrupts sleep and promotes autoinfection or spread to other children through contaminated hands, bedding, or clothing. Other parasites can cause gastrointestinal symptoms or anemia, but they don’t characteristically present with nocturnal perianal itching in kids. Diagnosis is usually made with a simple tape test in the morning to capture eggs around the anus. Treatment involves anthelmintic therapy for the patient and all household members (for example, albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate) with a repeat dose 2–3 weeks later to kill any new hatchlings, along with strict hygiene measures like handwashing, regular laundering of bedding and underwear, and nail trimming to prevent reinfection.