Abstract:
Background: Enterobiasis caused by Enterobius vermicularis is the commonest worm infection
among paediatric population. Though paediatricians manage enterobiasis regularly, the recurrent
disease has always been a challenge because of auto-infections and re-treatment with single dose
of drug. Hence it is very important to confirm the enterobiasis using a feasible diagnostic method.
The commonly used diagnostic method is the scotch tape method. However, developed countries
have manufactured user-friendly, risk-free modified scotch tape kits for this purpose. Such kits are
not freely available in Sri Lanka due to high cost.
Objective: To modify the existing diagnostic method of enterobiasis as a user-friendly diagnostic
kit using locally available material
Methods: The study population (n=131) consisted of aged 3-6-year-old children at selected four
preschools in Matara district. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the
satisfaction assessment of the test kit from guardians of the child who perform the test. Different
materials (Branded cello tapes and polythenes) were collected from the local market, and a
modified kit was prepared under the supervision of experts. The newly developed test kit was
tested with a satisfactory assessment using the study group. Samples were assessed
microscopically for E. vermicularis eggs, and the positive rate was calculated. A satisfactory score
was generated using collected questionnaires.
Results: A total of 11 children were positive while 120 children were negative out of 131 anal
swabs. Hence positive rate is 8.39 % in above selected 4 preschools. Satisfactory assessment score
for the collection of samples using that kit was 11.9, satisfactory assessment score for test protocol
was 12.87, satisfactory score for the appearance of test kit was 10 and satisfactory score for
transportation of test kit was 1.77. This score can be improved increasing the sample size. Because
of the corona pandemic, poor responses of the guardians and time limitations sample size was
reduced.
Conclusions: This test kit can be used to diagnose the true state of enterobiasis because the
modified scotch tape can collect E. vermicularis eggs successfully. Further studies need to be
taken to compare with conventional test method.
