Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)

Epidemiology/lifecycle

  • 300 million infected worldwide

  • Not related to economy, children

  • Anthroponosis

  • Faecal-oral: ingest eggs, larvae hatch in small intestine, lay eggs around perianal region, autoinfection

Clinical features

  • Nil

  • Perianal itch, restless sleep

  • Ectopic e.g. vulvovaginitis, dysuria

Diagnosis

  • Find eggs (enterobius), cellophane tape test

Management

  • Albendazole, Mebendazole (repeat after 2 weeks)

Prevention

  • Hand hygiene

  • Treat whole family

Full of eggs