High magnification micrograph of a<unk>  in cross section in the appendix. H&E stain. Diagnosis depends on finding the eggs or the adult<unk> s. Individual eggs are invisible to the naked eye, but they can be seen using a low-power microscope. On the other hand, the light-yellowish thread-like adult<unk> s are clearly visually detectable, usually during the night when they move near the anus, or on toilet paper. Transparent adhesive tape (e.g. Scotch Tape) applied on the anal area will pick up deposited eggs, and diagnosis can be made by examining the tape with a microscope. This test is most successful if done every morning for several days, because the females do not lay eggs every day, and the number of eggs varies.<unk> s do not lay eggs in the feces, but sometimes eggs are deposited in the intestine. As such, routine examination of fecal material gives a positive diagnosis in only 5 to 15% of infected subjects, and is therefore of little practical diagnostic use. In a heavy infection, female<unk> s may adhere to stools that pass out through the anus, and they may thus be detected on the surface on the stool. Adult<unk> s are occasionally seen during colonoscopy. On a microscopic level,<unk> s have an identifying feature of alae (i.e., protruding ridges) running the length of the worm.
Pinworm infection
Hookworm infection
Tick infestation
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis
Intestinal parasite infection
Arthropod bites and stings
Myiasis
Dental plaque