Enterobius vermicularis

Question 1

What is Enterobius vermicularis commonly known as?

Answer 1

human pinworm
(barneorm)

Enterobius vermicularis is a common intestinal parasite in humans.

Question 2

What is the size range of adult female Enterobius vermicularis?

Answer 2

7-14 mm

Adult males are smaller, measuring 2-4 mm.

Question 3

How are Enterobius vermicularis eggs transmitted?

Answer 3

Ingested (oral-faecal) or inhaled

Eggs can contaminate surfaces, clothes, and beds.

Question 4

Describe the life cycle of Enterobius vermicularis.

Answer 4

Gravid adult female deposits eggs on perianal folds, infection occurs via scratching to mouth or exposure to eggs in the environment. Ingestion of infective eggs, larvae hatch in the SI, and adults establish themselves in the colon (cecum). From larvae to adult take 1 month

It takes about one month for larvae to develop into adults.

Question 5

What condition does Enterobius vermicularis cause?

Answer 5

Enterobiasis

• Intese itching; female migrates, damage on the skin, bacterial infections
• Larvae can invade urethra, vagina and vulva

Approximately one-third of cases are asymptomatic.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of Enterobius vermicularis infection?

Answer 6

Intense itching, skin damage, bacterial infections

Larvae can invade the urethra, vagina, and vulva.

Question 7

What is the primary treatment for Enterobius vermicularis infection?

Answer 7

Mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, pyrvinium pamoate

These medications are effective in treating pinworm infections.

Question 8

What is the Scotch tape technique used for?

Answer 8

To diagnose Enterobius vermicularis infection

It involves patting the area around the anus with tape and examining for eggs.

Question 9

What is the flashlight technique in relation to Enterobius vermicularis?

Answer 9

Shining a flashlight on the anus at night to see adult females laying eggs

This method helps to visually confirm the presence of pinworms.

Question 10

What are some control measures for preventing Enterobius vermicularis infection?

Answer 10

• Excellent personal hygiene, washing hands, short nails, daily morning showers,
• Frequent change of underclothing and bed sheets
• Clean / vacuuming the house daily

These practices help reduce the risk of infection.

Question 11

Geography of Enterobius vermicularis?

Answer 11

Worldwide

It is a common parasite affecting people across various geographic regions.

Question 12

Diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis

Answer 12

Two preferred techniques:

1. Scotch tape technique: Early morning, pat the area around the anus with a piece of transparent tape. Place tape on microscope slide with a drop of acetone. Examine for eggs
2. Flashlight technique: Shine a flashlight on the anus during the middle of the night. One can see adult females crawling out to lay eggs.