Pinworm Infection

Pinworm Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Mar 25, 2008 Karla Reed

In the United States pinworm infections are present in up to 12% of the general population.

The pinworm, also known medically as Enterobius Vermicularis, is a 2-13 mm white nematode that lives as an adult in the colon,caecum (a portion of the large intestine) and/or the appendix of humans.

An easily spread infection, especially in school children and in households with small children, pinworm has been estimated to effect approximately 30-50% of community populations in some areas of the United States and Western Europe.

Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

Symptoms may consist of some (not necessarily all) of the following:

Sharp and/or prickly pain in the anal or vaginal areas
Intense itching in anal area which increases and/or intensifies at night
Diarrhea
Insomnia - Caused by the nocturnal itch
Irritability
Restlessness
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Appendicitis like symptoms - Pinworms have been found in 25% of acute appendicitis cases
Minor or early pinworm infections may be symptomless

Risk Of Pinworm Infection

The highest rate of pinworm infestation is found in adults ages 30-39 and children ages 5-9
Infestation rates are equal among sexes and races
Those living in warm climates - Especially those that are temperate throughout the year (the southern United States experiences a higher rate of pinworm cases due to the warmer year round temperatures)
Those living in crowded conditions

Diagnosis Of Pinworm

Pinworm infection may be diagnosed by two methods:

Self sighting as worms often may be viewed after a bowel movement (this can occur only with the adult sized worms) or on the inside of undergarments.
A physician may run a “cellophane test” where cellophane tape is held against the anus and examined under a microscope for confirmation of worm infestation. Often the patient will be requested to run the cellophane test at home (in the morning upon waking) and bring into the physician office for analysis.

Transmission Of Pinworm

Pinworm is transmitted in the following manners:

Contaminated food and/or drink
Direct surface contact (furniture,bedding,clothing, doorknobs)
Some studies have demonstrated that air transmission and exposure is possible
Fingernail biting after surface contact
Sexual contact

Treaments For PinwormTreatment plans include the following:

Antiparasite medications usually supplied to the entire family include Albenza (Albendazole) or Pin-X (Pyrantel)
Anti-itch ointments
Instructions to properly launder sheets and clothing
Instructions to clean toilet seat surfaces properly (clean twice a day)
Instructions on proper hand and fingernail washing

Pinworm Infection Complications

Usually there are no major complications associated with pinworm infection although certain populations can experience the following:

Infections in those with pre-existing bowel disease
Infection and infestation outside the bowel wall with migration resulting in complications of the peritoneum, omentum, liver and lungs
Urinary tract infections
Weight loss

Pinworm Prevention

Good hygiene practices - Proper laundering, home cleaning, hand washing and food preparation.

Medical attention should be sought for proper and rapid diagnosis at the appearance of one of more the listed symptoms.

Relevent Article : Salmonella (food preparation and safety)

The copyright of the article Pinworm Infection in General Medicine is owned by Karla Reed. Permission to republish Pinworm Infection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Pinworm Diagnosis By Microscope