1. Enterobius Vermicularis
“pinworm”
Kyle Segner

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. lifecycle

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. egg

11. Adult worms

12. 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