Oxyuris vermicularis infection, also known as enterobiasis or pinworm infection, is a common parasitic infection caused by the human parasite Oxyuris vermicularis, a small, whitish, thread-like intestinal worm. This infection predominantly affects children and is highly contagious.
The adult female worms reside in the lower gastrointestinal tract, particularly the large intestine, while the males are rarely found in humans. During the night, the female worms move to the anal area and lay eggs on the surrounding skin. These eggs can cause intense itching and discomfort, leading to secondary bacterial infections if the skin is scratched extensively.
Transmission occurs through the ingestion of the infective eggs, which may contaminate food, water, or objects such as bedding, toys, or clothing. Ingested eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the newly hatched larvae mature into adult worms in the large intestine. The entire life cycle of Oxyuris vermicularis can take around 2-6 weeks.
Common symptoms of an Oxyuris vermicularis infection include itching around the anus, particularly at night, restless sleep, irritability, abdominal pain, and occasionally, vague gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or nausea. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying the characteristic eggs in a sample taken from the perianal area.
Treatment involves the administration of medication, usually an anthelmintic such as mebendazole or albendazole, which effectively eliminates the worms. Additionally, practicing good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing and frequent changing of bedding and clothing, is essential to prevent the spread of this infection. Family members and close contacts should also be screened and treated if necessary.
