Which statement about pinworm testing in rodents is correct?

Which statement about pinworm testing in rodents is correct?

• A. Anal tape tests detect all pinworm infections
• B. Anal tape tests cannot detect any pinworm infections
• C. Anal tape tests are never used for detection
• D. Anal tape tests detect pinworms only in hamsters

Answer: (A)

Anal tape testing is a practical, noninvasive method used to screen rodents for pinworm infections by collecting eggs shed around the perianal area. Pinworms lay eggs near the anus, and pressing a piece of adhesive tape to the perianal skin captures those eggs. When the tape is examined under a microscope, the presence of eggs indicates infection. This method is widely used in routine health monitoring because it directly targets the site where eggs are shed and is quick and inexpensive. The other statements don’t fit: there are real infections that can be missed if eggs aren’t being shed at the moment, and pinworms affect multiple rodent species, not just hamsters. So, anal tape testing is the standard approach for detecting pinworms in rodents, which is why this option is considered correct.

Anal tape testing is a practical, noninvasive method used to screen rodents for pinworm infections by collecting eggs shed around the perianal area. Pinworms lay eggs near the anus, and pressing a piece of adhesive tape to the perianal skin captures those eggs. When the tape is examined under a microscope, the presence of eggs indicates infection. This method is widely used in routine health monitoring because it directly targets the site where eggs are shed and is quick and inexpensive. The other statements don’t fit: there are real infections that can be missed if eggs aren’t being shed at the moment, and pinworms affect multiple rodent species, not just hamsters. So, anal tape testing is the standard approach for detecting pinworms in rodents, which is why this option is considered correct.