Concerns About Parasites: Symptoms and Treatment After Dog Exposure

Parasitic concerns?

Hello Doctor, recently after cleaning my thermos, I found a live small worm inside it.
I didn’t think to take a picture at the time and immediately killed it with hot water in the sink.
Since I have been in frequent contact with a puppy lately, I suspect that I might have indirectly contracted a parasite, but I am puzzled as to how the worm ended up in my thermos.
Later, I consulted a pharmacy and they recommended taking Mebendazole, advising me to take one tablet in the morning and one at night for three days, and then to repeat the same regimen the following week.
I followed their instructions and completed the course.
A month has passed, and I am unsure if it is psychological or something else, but my gastrointestinal tract seems off.
This afternoon, I experienced itching around the anus, and I am concerned that it might be pinworms.
I previously hesitated to look up images of worms on Google, but today I resolved to search and found that the worm I saw in the thermos looks similar, which made me more anxious.
I continued to research and learned that the correct dosage for Mebendazole is one tablet in the morning and one at night for three days, followed by another course two weeks later, which differs from what the pharmacy described.
Therefore, I suspect that the initial treatment may not have eradicated the worms completely.
Can I start the Mebendazole treatment again now?

Yang Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/22

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

If you are concerned, you can visit the infectious disease clinic for examination and confirmation.

Reply Date: 2020/06/22

More Info

It sounds like you have a lot of concerns regarding potential parasitic infections, especially after your recent exposure to a puppy and the discovery of a live worm in your thermos. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns step by step.

First, it's important to understand that exposure to pets, particularly puppies, can sometimes lead to parasitic infections. Common parasites that can be transmitted from dogs to humans include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Symptoms of these infections can vary but often include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. In your case, the itching around the anus could indeed suggest a possible pinworm infection, which is a common concern, especially in children but can affect adults as well.

Regarding the medication you took, it seems you were prescribed "mebendazole" (known as "每鞭達挫" in Mandarin), which is effective against several types of intestinal worms, including pinworms. The typical dosing regimen for mebendazole is indeed to take it twice a day for three days, and then a repeat course may be necessary after two weeks, especially if symptoms persist. If you followed a different regimen than recommended, it is possible that the treatment was not fully effective, which could explain your ongoing symptoms.

Given that you are experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and anal itching, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination and possibly a stool test to check for the presence of parasites. This is important because self-diagnosing and self-treating can sometimes lead to complications or ineffective treatment.

If you suspect that you may still have a parasitic infection, it is generally safe to repeat the mebendazole treatment, but it is best to do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They can confirm whether the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed due to a parasitic infection and advise you on the appropriate course of action.

In addition to medication, maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial in preventing the spread of parasites. This includes washing your hands thoroughly after handling pets, cleaning your living environment, and ensuring that any food and drink containers are properly sanitized.

Lastly, if you continue to experience symptoms or if they worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes indicate other underlying issues that may need to be addressed. Your health and well-being are the top priority, and a healthcare professional can provide the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

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