A mother reports that her 4-year-old daughter complains of intense anal itching that wakes her at night. The child is otherwise well and growing normally. Perianal skin shows excoriation. What is the most appropriate method to confirm the diagnosis?

• A Stool microscopy for ova on three consecutive days
• B Scotch tape test applied to the perianal region early in the morning ✓
• C Serological ELISA for parasite-specific IgG
• D Examination of urine for microfilariae at night

Explanation

Nocturnal perianal itching in a young child is classic for Enterobius vermicularis. Gravid female worms migrate out of the anus at night to deposit eggs on perianal skin, so eggs are detected by pressing clear adhesive tape against the perianal folds immediately on waking, before bathing or defecation. Stool examination, option A, frequently misses the diagnosis because eggs are rarely passed in feces.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.