ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS INFESTATION: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Millions of people around the world are affected by parasitic infections caused by pathogenic protozoa and helminths. One such helminth is Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, which causes a condition called enterobiasis. This infection is often asymptomatic, but the most common symptom is itching around the anal area (perianal pruritus), particularly at night when the worms become more active and migrate. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and irritability. The parasite’s entire life cycle occurs within the human gastrointestinal tract. Once a person ingests infective eggs, the larvae hatch in the duodenum. These rhabditiform larvae undergo two molts as they mature in the jejunum and upper ileum. Adult worms then settle in the colon and typically live for around two months. At night, female worms travel outside the anus to lay eggs, which can be spread through contaminated hands or surfaces. These eggs are quite resilient and can remain viable in moist environments for up to three weeks. Transmission primarily happens through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. Diagnosis is usually made by detecting the parasite's eggs under a microscope from a stool sample, or by visually identifying adult worms in the stool. The most effective treatment is a single oral dose of mebendazole.