Question

A patient presents with perianal itching. A peripheral swab was taken, and the image below shows the findings. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. H Nana
• B. Ancylostoma
• C. Enterobius vermicularis
• D. Necator Americanus

Hint:

In cases of perianal itching, especially at night, consider Enterobius vermicularis. Perform the "tape test" to detect pinworm eggs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the most likely diagnosis based on the presented symptoms and findings, we need to analyze the given information.

The key symptom here is "perianal itching," which is a classic sign of an infection commonly caused by the parasite Enterobius vermicularis. This condition is also known as enterobiasis, and it's caused by pinworms. The perianal itching is a result of the female worms laying eggs around the anus, typically at night, leading to irritation and itching.

Given the options:

H Nana

Ancylostoma

Enterobius vermicularis

Necator Americanus

Enterobius vermicularis is the most appropriate choice because:

• Hymenolepis nana (H. Nana): Commonly known as the dwarf tapeworm, it does not typically cause perianal itching. It is associated with mild gastro-intestinal symptoms.
• Ancylostoma: These are hookworms that cause different symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, iron-deficiency anemia, and skin eruptions but are less associated with perianal itching.
• Necator americanus: Similar to Ancylostoma, this is another hookworm species causing ancylostomiasis with symptoms not including specific perianal itching.

Therefore, the most likely diagnosis given the symptom of perianal itching and the common characteristics of Enterobius vermicularis is indeed Enterobius vermicularis.