| Pinworm infection | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Enterobiasis, oxyuriasis[1] |
 | |
| Pinworm eggs (Enterobius vermicularis) | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Itchy anal area[1] |
| Usual onset | 4 to 8 weeks from exposure[2] |
| Causes | Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)[3] |
| Risk factors | Attending school[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Seeing the worms or eggs[1] |
| Prevention | Handwashing, daily bathing in the morning, daily changing of underwear[1] |
| Medication | Mebendazole, Flubendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole[4] |
| Prognosis | Non-serious[5] |
| Frequency | Common[1][5] |
Pinworm infection (threadworm infection in the UK), also known as enterobiasis, is a human parasitic disease caused by the pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis.[3] The most common symptom is pruritus ani, or itching in the anal area.[1] The period of time from swallowing eggs to the appearance of new eggs around the anus is 4 to 8 weeks.[2] Some people who are infected do not have symptoms.[1]
The disease is spread between people by pinworm eggs.[1] The eggs initially occur around the anus and can survive for up to three weeks in the environment.[1] They may be swallowed following contamination of the hands, food, or other articles.[1] Those at risk are those who go to school, live in a health care institution or prison, or take care of people who are infected.[1] Other animals do not spread the disease.[1] Diagnosis is by seeing the worms which are about one centimetre long or the eggs under a microscope.[1][6]
Treatment is typically with two doses of the medications mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole two weeks apart.[4] Everyone who lives with or takes care of an infected person should be treated at the same time.[1] Washing personal items in hot water after each dose of medication is recommended.[1] Good handwashing, daily bathing in the morning, and daily changing of underwear can help prevent reinfection.[1]
Pinworm infections commonly occur in all parts of the world.[1][5] They are the most common type of worm infection in Western Europe, Northern Europe and the United States.[5] School-aged children are the most commonly infected.[1] In the United States about 20% of children will develop pinworm at some point.[3] Infection rates among high-risk groups may be as high as 50%.[2] It is not considered a serious disease.[5] Pinworms are believed to have affected humans throughout history.[7]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Pinworm Infection FAQs". CDC. 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ a b c "Epidemiology & Risk Factors". CDC. 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ a b c Stermer, E; Sukhotnic, I; Shaoul, R (May 2009). "Pruritus ani: an approach to an itching condition". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 48 (5): 513–6. doi:10.1097/mpg.0b013e31818080c0. PMID 19412003.
- ^ a b "Treatment". CDC. 23 September 2016. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Griffiths, Christopher; Barker, Jonathan; Bleiker, Tanya; Chalmers, Robert; Creamer, Daniel (2016). Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 4 Volume Set (9 ed.). John Wiley & Sons. p. 33.13. ISBN 9781118441176. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017.
- ^ "Biology". CDC. 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ Bynum, W. F.; Porter, Roy (2013). Companion Encyclopedia of the History of Medicine. Routledge. p. 358. ISBN 9781136110368. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017.