What is the treatment of choice for a 5-year-old with Enterobius vermicularis indicated by a positive Scotch tape test?

In the case of a 5-year-old diagnosed with Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm, the first-line treatment is mebendazole. This medication is effective due to its ability to inhibit microtubule synthesis in the intestinal cells of the pinworm, effectively killing the adult worms and preventing them from reproducing. Mebendazole is typically well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile for use in children, making it the treatment of choice for this infection.

The positive Scotch tape test confirms the diagnosis by detecting pinworm eggs, sparking the need for effective management that targets the helminth specifically. This approach not only alleviates symptoms but also helps prevent reinfection among household contacts, as pinworm infections can easily spread.

Other medications listed, such as metronidazole and clindamycin, are not indicated for pinworm infections, as they serve different purposes in the treatment of bacterial and protozoal infections rather than helminthic infestations. Thiabendazole is another anthelmintic that can be used against certain types of worms, but its usage has become less common due to the availability and better tolerability of mebendazole. Therefore, mebendazole