Final answer:
Pinworms are diagnosed through microscopic examination of stool or using the "Scotch tape test" to collect eggs from the perianal area, with treatments including anti-parasitic medications such as mebendazole and albendazole.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pinworms, caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, are diagnosed primarily through the identification of eggs or worms. Microscopic examination of stool samples is a common method for identifying pinworm eggs, which may be conducted over several days to increase the chance of detection. However, because pinworms lay their eggs around the anus at night, the "Scotch tape test" is the most effective way to collect eggs for diagnosis. This involves using transparent tape to capture eggs from the perianal area first thing in the morning and then examining the tape under a microscope. In some cases, the adult worms may be seen in the stool or around the anus at night.
Other diagnostic methods include the examination of samples from under fingernails, where the eggs may lodge due to scratching. These methods are more invasive, and the fecal-oral route of transmission also suggests that multiple tests may be needed to confirm the presence of pinworms. Treatment typically involves anti-parasitic medications such as mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate.
The primary methods for diagnosing pinworms are the microscopic examination of stool samples and the "Scotch tape test," which collects eggs from the perianal area. Treatment usually involves anti-parasitic drugs like mebendazole and albendazole.