Assessment of frequency, transmission, and genitourinary complications of enterobiasis (pinworms)

Abstract

Although transmission is often attributed to the ingestion of infective eggs by nail biting and inadequate hand washing, inhalation and ingestion of airborne eggs also occur. The female Enterobius vermicularis migrates nightly to the perianal area to deposit her eggs, but some worms find their way into adjacent orifices, most commonly the female genitourinary tract, producing an array of symptoms. More consideration of this entity is justified in patients presenting with genitourinary complaints not responding to normal therapies. In the treatment of pinworms affecting genitourinary organs, treatment with possibly two oral agents, namely mebendazole and ivermectin, and a topical therapy for the eggs may be warranted.

Kindergarten Teacher’s Knowledge of Enterobiasis in Korea

“…Generally, the worms enter the vulva and vagina, where they remain for several days, and cause inflammation [12] [13]. Pinworms very rarely penetrate into the submucosa, but when they do, the results are often fatal [9]. Therefore, appropriate treatment and prevention are highly recommended.…”

“…Because children are often exposed to environments that are overcrowded, have inadequate sanitation, and engage in group activities more often than adults, this infection is more common in children [9] [10]. Currently, a number of young children are cared for at kindergartens or nurseries before they enter primary schools.…”

Histopathological study of Enterobius vermicularis among appendicitis patients in Gaza strip, Palestine

“…While Gutierres (Gutiérrez 2000) maintains that there exists a consensus that pinworms do not produce the inflammatory reaction. Cook (1994) stated that it is controversial whether pinworms are causatively related to acute appendicitis, and (Burkhart and Burkhart 2005) reported that pinworm infection causes symptoms of appendicitis to surface.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children from a poor urban community in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study

“…1 Moreover, ectopic infections of lung, liver and kidneys can occur. 6,7 In rare instances, female pinworms can enter the female genital tract to lay eggs leading to vulvovaginitis. In addition, pinworm infections adversely affect on the utilization of vitamin B12 and leading to lowered child's intelligence.…”