Year
A 9-year-old girl presents to paediatric OPD with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and occasional loose stools for the past 2 months. The child’s appetite has been variable, with occasional nausea but no significant weight loss. On examination, the child appears generally well-nourished with no signs of acute distress. Abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the periumbilical region but is otherwise unremarkable. Stool sample was sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination.
- What is the diagnosis?
- What is the mode of transmission?
- What is the treatment and prevention?
Case answer – Posted on: 16-July-2024
- What is the diagnosis?
Hymenolepis nana infection. The eggs are colourless, measuring about 30-50 um in size. It has two membranes (outer egg shell and an inner embryophore) and an oncosphere with six hooklets. The poles of the embryophore are thickened with four to eight polar filaments. - What is the mode of transmission?
Humans become infected by ingesting infective eggs from contaminated food, water, or by autoinfection. - What is the treatment and prevention?
The recommended treatment regimen is Praziquantel 25mg/kg/dose single dose. The other treatment options are Nitazoxanide/niclosamide. Public health measures to prevent the spread of Hymenolepis nana include improving sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, promoting hand hygiene.