The pinworm Aspiculuris tetraptera can be detected in mice by the anal tape test.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in certain strains
• D. It is the primary method used for detection in all cases

Answer: (B)

Eggs from Aspiculuris tetraptera are primarily shed in feces, and the worms reside in the large intestine and cecum. The anal tape test collects eggs from the perianal skin, which is how some pinworm species (like Syphacia) are detected. Because Aspiculuris tetraptera does not reliably shed eggs to be picked up by perianal tape, this method is not a dependable way to detect it. Detection for this species is better done with fecal flotation to recover eggs from feces or by examining cecal/colonic contents at necropsy. In short, the anal tape test is not the appropriate primary method for detecting Aspiculuris tetraptera.