Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with gastrointestinal distress, including intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. History of potential ingestion of contaminated grain products or exposure to arthropod vectors (fleas, beetles). Symptoms are often mild or asymptomatic; patient reports no recent travel to endemic areas but notes possible environmental exposure.
Clinical Examination Findings
Physical examination is largely unremarkable. Abdomen: soft, non-distended, non-tender to palpation, normoactive bowel sounds. No hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Stool microscopy reveals characteristic large, striated eggs with a thick shell and polar filaments absent, confirming Hymenolepis diminuta infection.
Treatment Protocol
First-line treatment: Praziquantel 25 mg/kg as a single oral dose. Advise patient on strict hygiene practices to prevent autoinfection or transmission. Follow-up stool examination in 2-4 weeks to confirm parasite clearance.