Enterobiasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Enterobiasis Definition

Enterobiasis is a infestation of the intestine with pinworms.It occurs especially in children. Adult pinworms live in the intestine and colon, and at night the female adult worms deposit their eggs outside the rectum or anal area.

Enterobiasis may be a kind of:

• infestation:-the state of being overrun in unpleasantly large numbers
• infection:- the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms

Enterobiasis infection and reinfection occur most often in children in between 5 and 14 ages and in certain institutionalized groups because of poor hygiene and frequent hand-to-mouth activity. Enterobiasis is also known as pinworm, seatworm, threadworm infection, and oxyuriasis.

Enterobiasis causes

Enterobiasis is a pinworm infection. Pinworm infection may be caused by a small, white intestinal worm or more formally, Enterobius vermicularis. The pinworm is about the length of a staple and lives for the most part within the rectum of humans. Direct transmission occurs when the patient's hands transfer infective eggs from the anus to the mouth. Indirect transmission occurs when the patient comes in contact with contaminated articles, such as linens and clothing.

If family members continue to be infected by enterobiasis, a source outside the house may be responsible. It is the most common worm infection in the United States. Worldwide, approximately 200 million people are infected. It It is most commonly affects school-age children.

Enterobiasis Symptoms

Asymptomatic enterobiasis is commonly overlooked. The symptoms of a pinworm infection may be caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs. Most symptoms of pinworm infection are mild. Many individuals with enterobiasis exhibit no symptoms.

The other symptoms of the enterobiasis may be included:

• anus
• weight loss
• excoriation
• intense itching
• disturbed sleep
• irritability
• insomnia
• vaginal irritation
• restlessness
• loss of appetite
• infection of the skin

Enterobiasis Treatments

The mainstay of treatment is antiparasitic medication such as pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole or albendazole.

General measures to control infestation are washing hands before meals and after use of the toilet.

Drug therapy with piperazine destroys the causative parasites. Effective eradication requires simultaneous treatment of family members and, in institutions, other patients.

Enterobiasis may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Treatment involves a two-dose course. The second dose should be given 2 weeks after the first.