Enterobius

• Enterobius vermicularis is an intestinal nematode with separate sexes
• Common names for Enterobius vermicularis include Pinworm and Seatworm
• Humans are the only host for Enterobius vermicularis, with a habitat in the large intestine, especially the cecum
• Disease associated with Enterobius vermicularis include Enterobiasis or Oxyuriasis, and it can lead to acute appendicitis
• Epidemiology of Enterobius vermicularis:
• Found in both temperate and tropical regions
• High prevalence in both developed and developing countries
• Affects people in groups, especially in household and institutional settings
• Commonly affected groups by Enterobius vermicularis:
• School-aged and pre-school-aged children
• Institutionalized persons
• Household members and caretakers of persons with enterobiasis
• Risk factors for Enterobius vermicularis infection:
• Overcrowding
• Thumb-sucking
• Nail-biting
• Lack of parental knowledge on pinworms
• Biology of Enterobius vermicularis:
• Adult male size: 2-5mm x 0.1-0.2mm with a curved tail and a single spicule
• Adult female size: 8-13mm x 0.1-0.2mm with a long pointed tail and fusiform body
• Anterior end features cephalic alae and a slender esophagus terminating in a prominent posterior esophageal bulb
• Rhabditiform larva size: 140-150um x 10um with characteristic esophageal bulb
• Ova size: 50-60um x 20-30um, D-shaped with a translucent shell and inner embryonic lipoidal membrane
• Life cycle of Enterobius vermicularis:
• Gravid female migrates to the perianal region to deposit eggs
• Embryonated eggs mature within 4-6 hours and can lead to infection through ingestion
• Adult male and female copulate, with the female usually dying after oviposition
• Airborne transmission and retroinfection are possible modes of transmission
• Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations of Enterobius vermicularis:
• Typical symptoms include pruritus ani, allergic reactions to deposited eggs, and movement of migrating worms
• Vaginal irritation can occur if the adult female worm invades the vagina
• Diagnosis can be made through clinical symptoms like pruritus ani or laboratory methods such as microscopic examination
• Treatment of Enterobius vermicularis:
• Drug therapy options include Mebendazole, Albendazole, and Pyrantel pamoate
• Radical cure involves repeating drug therapy after 2 weeks to kill any hatched worms
• Prevention and Control measures for Enterobius vermicularis:
• Personal hygiene practices like handwashing and short fingernails are important
• Infected individuals should use showers, sleep alone, and wash clothing and bedding in hot water
• Drug therapy should be extended to the entire household to prevent familial parasitic disease