Enterobius Vermicularis “pinworm” Kyle Segner

General info Small worms that infect the intestines Common in school age children Nematode Most common human parasitic worm in the United States, around 40 million infected Have been found in humans as old as 7800 BCE in Utah

geography Found worldwide Very common in the United States Western Europe also has high rates More common in temperate regions than tropical

Hosts Definitive host- -- humans, only humans Intermediate host--- none, has a direct lifecycle Reservoirs--- possibly cochroaches(Hawaii)

Morphology Adult females from 8-13 mm Males from 2-5 mm Are very thin and white in color The posterior end of the female comes to a point, while the male has a blunter posterior end Eggs are elongated and around 50 micrometers in length They are transparent and have a flattened look ; have a thick, transparent outer wall

lifecycle

symptoms Itchy anus difficulty sleeping Infected skin around anus Discomfort in vagina(worms can enter here instead of anus)

Pathology Nothing too serious, most cases are asmyptomatic Can cause infection of the female genital tract Itchy anal area Insomnia from discomfort Severe cases can cause abdominal pain, vomitting, weight loss, and scarring due to scratching.

diagnosis 3 options check perianal region for worms 2-3 hours after suspected victim is asleep take sample from under fingernails and check for eggs( could be present from scratching) put scotch tape on perianal skin and pull it off, check for eggs under microscope --- test done in the morning before any washing is done

egg

Adult worms

Treatment and prevention Drugs used are mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and albendazole Wash your hands often and good hygiene practices If infected, shower every morning to wash away eggs on skin Cut fingernails so eggs can’t get under them Don’t scratch anus and put fingers in mouth Change linens often