Enterobius vermicularis infection associated with appendicitis, Meckel’s diverticulitis, and peritonitis

Abstract

E nterobius vermicularis (EV) is the most common helminthic infection in humans. It is more commonly seen in young children [1]. During the cycle of the parasite, the fertilized female descends into the rectum from its habitual location, the cecum, and colon and lays its eggs in the anal folds and the surrounding areas. The deposited eggs mature in a few hours and contain fully developed larvae. The movements of the females and the laying of the eggs cause itching, predisposing the passage of the infection to the same patient, or other patients through hands which have been contaminated hands. Selfinfection is common and can cause long-term infections [2]. The worms typically reside in the cecum, appendix, and distal ileum, where they adhere to the mucosa. The female EV sometimes can be found in different places: Female genitals, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and perineum. Other times, both in female and male patients, the parasite can be found in rare locations; the prostate, the urinary bladder, the ureter, the spleen, the peritoneum, the mucosa, the appendicular lumen, the intestinal wall, the liver, the lungs, the epididymis, and the conjunctival sac [2]. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small intestine, presenting