Differential Diagnosis for Worms in Child's Stool
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Enterobiasis (Pinworms): This is the most common intestinal worm infection in children, characterized by the presence of small, white, thread-like worms in the stool. The worms typically lay their eggs at night around the child's anus, causing intense itching.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworms): These are large, round worms that can be found in the stool. Infection occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water with the eggs of the parasite.
- Trichuris trichiura (Whipworms): These worms are characterized by their whip-like shape and are often found in the stool of infected children. Infection occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water with the eggs of the parasite.
- Hookworms: These are small, hook-like worms that can cause intestinal infection. Infection occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Taenia saginata (Beef Tapeworm) or Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm): While less common, these tapeworms can cause significant health issues if left untreated. Infection occurs through ingestion of undercooked or raw meat containing the cysticerci of the parasite.
- Strongyloides stercoralis (Threadworms): This parasitic infection can lead to severe complications, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Infection occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil.
Rare Diagnoses
- Anisakis: This is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of undercooked or raw fish containing the larvae of the parasite. It is rare but can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Capillaria philippinensis: This is a rare parasitic infection that can cause severe malabsorption and weight loss. Infection occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water with the eggs or larvae of the parasite.