What is the typical diagnostic approach to identify Enterobius vermicularis in stool?

• A. Perianal scotch tape (cellophane tape) test
• B. Stool culture
• C. Serology
• D. Urine antigen testing

Answer: (A)

Detecting Pinworm infection relies on finding the eggs where the worms lay them: around the anal area. The perianal adhesive tape test captures eggs from the skin first thing in the morning, before bathing or using the toilet, when female Enterobius vermicularis migrate to the perianal skin to lay eggs. Press a piece of clear tape to the skin, then place it on a microscope slide and look for the small, oval eggs with a thin shell. Stool samples are not reliable because most eggs are deposited on the perianal skin rather than being shed in feces, so stool culture typically misses infections. Serology and urine antigen testing aren’t used for pinworms because antibodies aren’t consistently detectable and there’s no useful urine-based test for this parasite. This approach is particularly common in children, who often have intense itching and may have few other symptoms.