Question

A patient is having gastrointestinal problems including abdominal pain and distension, bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea, and tenesmus,with rectal prolapse, A stool, ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of typical Barrel-shaped eggs, possible causative agent is?

• A. Campylobacter
• B. Clostridium difficile
• C. Giardia lamblia
• D. Trichuris

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The symptoms described are gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, distension, bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea, tenesmus, and rectal prolapse. These symptoms, coupled with the presence of typical barrel-shaped eggs in a stool exam, provide key clues to identify the causative agent.

The stool, ova, and parasite exam revealing barrel-shaped eggs is particularly indicative of Trichuris, commonly known as whipworm. Trichuris trichiura is a parasitic worm characterized by barrel-shaped eggs with bipolar plugs, which align with the exam findings. The symptoms of trichuriasis can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, rectal prolapse, which match the described symptoms.

Based on the provided information and options:

• Campylobacter: Typically causes gastroenteritis, presenting with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramping but does not produce barrel-shaped eggs.
• Clostridium difficile: Known for causing pseudomembranous colitis, often post-antibiotic treatment, but it is a bacterial infection and does not present with barrel-shaped eggs.
• Giardia lamblia: Leads to giardiasis, causing greasy stools and bloating. Its cysts are not barrel-shaped.
• Trichuris: Matches the ova description of barrel-shaped eggs, and the symptoms are consistent with trichuriasis.

Hence, the correct causative agent for this case is Trichuris.