PINWORM INFECTIONS

ENTEROBIASIS =
OXYURIASIS

Etiology
Enterobius vermicularis (Oxyuris
vermicularis)
Small roundworm which can complete its
life cycle without an alternate host.
Greatest geographic distribution of any
human worm parasite worldwide.
Easily transmitted to other people by
bedclothes, by debris under fingernails of
those ho scratch the itchy area around
anus, and even inhalation of airborne eggs.

Patophysiology/Life cycle

The eggs
become
infective
within 2 to 4
hours

1 cycle :
1-6 weeks

Female
worm will
leave egg in
the fold of
skin
surrounding
anus (due to

Clinical Manifestations
Pruritus (itchy): The most common symptoms,
especially during the night (the intensities vary
from light itchy to intractable acute pain)
Another correlated symptoms:
- Imsonia due to discomfort and itchy
- Irritable
- Weakness
-Anorexia
- Loss of weight
Infection with large numbers of worms can cause
the rectum to protrude from the body.

Diagnostic
Presence of eggs around the anus; at
night or right after the host awakens
The pinworms can be picked up with
the sticky side of transparent
cellophane tape.
The sticky part of cellophane tape is
placed on an object glass and
observed under microscope by low
magnification.
If one member of a family has

Treatment
Pyrantel Pamoate (Combantrin)
- single dose 10mg/kg/day; DO NOT exceed than 1
gram
Mebendazole
- single dose 100mg
Piperazine citrate
- 65mg/kg/day, maximum dose 2g/day; given by
single dose every day for 6 days.
Pyrivinium Pamoate
- 5mg/kg
Stilbazium iodide
- single dose 10mg/kg
Albendazole
- single dose 400mg (very affective)

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis is good and usually harmless
especially with prompt and proper treatment.
Bed linens, clothing, and towels should be
washed and the house thoroughly cleaned at
the time of treatment.
The treatment and cleaning are repeated in
10 days.
In the absence of re-infection, the infection is
self-limiting and will cease without
treatment.