What are common parasitic infestations (infections caused by parasites) in pediatric (children's) patients?

From the Guidelines

Here's a 10-question multiple-choice pretest on common parasitic infestations in children with answers.

Question 1: Which parasite is the most common cause of intestinal infection worldwide?

A) Giardia lamblia B) Enterobius vermicularis C) Ascaris lumbricoides D) Trichuris trichiura Answer: C) Ascaris lumbricoides

Question 2: What is the classic symptom of pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection?

A) Bloody diarrhea B) Perianal itching, especially at night C) Chronic cough D) Abdominal distention Answer: B) Perianal itching, especially at night

Question 3: Which diagnostic test is most appropriate for detecting pinworm infection?

A) Stool ova and parasite examination B) Scotch tape test C) Blood antibody testing D) Urine analysis Answer: B) Scotch tape test

Question 4: The first-line treatment for Giardia lamblia infection in children is:

A) Metronidazole 15 mg/kg/day divided three times daily for 5-7 days B) Albendazole 400 mg once C) Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg as a single dose D) Praziquantel 40 mg/kg as a single dose Answer: A) Metronidazole 15 mg/kg/day divided three times daily for 5-7 days

Question 5: Which parasite can cause anemia in heavily infected children?

A) Cryptosporidium parvum B) Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) C) Enterobius vermicularis D) Blastocystis hominis Answer: B) Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale)

Question 6: Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are most commonly transmitted by:

A) Contaminated food B) Direct head-to-head contact C) Fecal-oral route D) Mosquito bites Answer: B) Direct head-to-head contact

Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of scabies infestation?

A) Intense itching, especially at night B) Burrows in the skin C) Bloody diarrhea D) Rash in the webs of fingers, wrists, and elbows Answer: C) Bloody diarrhea

Question 8: The treatment of choice for scabies in children is:

A) Oral ivermectin B) Permethrin 5% cream C) Albendazole D) Metronidazole Answer: B) Permethrin 5% cream

Question 9: Which parasite can cause "ground itch" at the site of skin penetration?

A) Hookworm B) Pinworm C) Giardia D) Cryptosporidium Answer: A) Hookworm

Question 10: Which of the following is the most effective preventive measure against most intestinal parasitic infections?

A) Regular deworming B) Proper handwashing C) Avoiding raw fish D) Sleeping under bed nets Answer: B) Proper handwashing as supported by 1 studies that emphasize the importance of proper hygiene in preventing the spread of parasitic infections.

From the Research

Common Parasitic Infestations in Children: MCQ Pretest

Questions

• What is the primary treatment for pediculosis and scabies?
  • A) Topically administered 1 percent malathion
  • B) Topically administered 1 percent permethrin
  • C) Systemic ivermectin
  • D) Topical crotamiton or benzyl benzoate Answer: B) Topically administered 1 percent permethrin 2, 3
• How is head and pubic lice infestation diagnosed?
  • A) By the visualization of insects or viable nits (eggs)
  • B) By the presence of pruritus
  • C) By the presence of a papular rash
  • D) By the presence of vesicles or pustules Answer: A) By the visualization of insects or viable nits (eggs) 2
• What should be done when pubic lice are found?
  • A) Evaluate for other sexually transmitted diseases
  • B) Wash affected clothing and bedding
  • C) Apply topical permethrin
  • D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above 2, 3
• How is body lice infestation suspected?
  • A) When symptoms of generalized itching occur in persons who do not change or wash their clothing or bedding regularly
  • B) When a pruritic, papular rash with excoriations is present
  • C) When vesicles or pustules are present
  • D) When live lice are found Answer: A) When symptoms of generalized itching occur in persons who do not change or wash their clothing or bedding regularly 2
• What is the first-line treatment for scabies?
  • A) Topical permethrin 1% cream
  • B) Topical permethrin 5% cream
  • C) Systemic ivermectin
  • D) Topical crotamiton or benzyl benzoate Answer: B) Topical permethrin 5% cream 3, 4
• What should be done to prevent recurrent scabies infestation?
  • A) Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry in a hot dryer
  • B) Apply topical permethrin regularly
  • C) Use systemic ivermectin
  • D) All of the above Answer: A) Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry in a hot dryer 2, 3
• What is the typical presentation of scabies in adults?
  • A) Pruritic, papular rash with excoriations
  • B) Vesicular or pustular rash
  • C) Nodular rash
  • D) All of the above Answer: A) Pruritic, papular rash with excoriations 2, 3
• What is the importance of environmental measures in preventing infestation?
  • A) It is essential to prevent infestation
  • B) It is not necessary to prevent infestation
  • C) It is a matter of controversy
  • D) It is only necessary for scabies Answer: C) It is a matter of controversy 2
• How is scabies diagnosed?
  • A) By the microscopic or dermatoscopic demonstration of scabies mites
  • B) By the presence of pruritus
  • C) By the presence of a papular rash
  • D) By the presence of vesicles or pustules Answer: A) By the microscopic or dermatoscopic demonstration of scabies mites 4
• What is the treatment for crusted scabies?
  • A) Topical permethrin 5% cream
  • B) Systemic ivermectin
  • C) Combination of permethrin and ivermectin
  • D) Topical crotamiton or benzyl benzoate Answer: C) Combination of permethrin and ivermectin 4