•Range: Temperate regions of Europe and North America-Common in nurseries, childcare facilities, and orphanages•Disease: Enterobiasis
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms)
Enterobiasis is an infection caused by the parasitic nematode, Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm. It is one of the most common worm infections in humans and is prevalent in the temperate regions of Europe and North America. The primary source of infection is contact with contaminated surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with pinworm eggs. Children are most commonly affected as they are more likely to come into contact with infected objects and have a habit of putting their fingers in their mouths.
The symptoms of enterobiasis are mostly mild, and many individuals remain asymptomatic. However, some common symptoms include itching around the anus, irritability, restlessness, disturbed sleep, and loss of appetite. In females, the infection can cause vulvovaginitis, leading to vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Preventive measures for enterobiasis include proper hygiene practices, especially hand-washing after using the toilet, before eating, and before and after changing a diaper. Clothing and bedding materials should be washed regularly and cleaned surfaces with a disinfectant. Also, wearing clean and dry underclothes during sleep disallows the chance of eggs to hatch and cause re-infection.
Treatment for enterobiasis involves administering an anthelmintic, such as mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole to kill the pinworms. The medicine is usually taken orally by all members of a household to prevent re-infection. Additionally, hygiene practices should be continued for several weeks to ensure complete eradication of the parasites.
Overall, enterobiasis is a common infection that can be easily treated and prevented with proper hygiene practices, which include proper hand-washing, cleaning of surfaces and linen, and administering anthelmintic drugs.
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