Enterobius vermicularis
![](https://parasiteguide.libbymitchell.dcreate.domains/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Enterobius-vermicularis-4.jpg)
Morphological Characteristics
Males can grow up to 4 mm and females can grow to 12 mm. Males have curved posteriors and females have straight posteriors. These worms are small and resemble strings.
Identification Methods
Cellulose tape or a swab with adhesive material is used to collected eggs from the perianal area in the morning before the first bowel movement. The eggs are then identified with microscopy. The host often shows no symptoms.
LIFE CYCLE
- Adult females lay eggs in the human anus
- Human ingeststhe embroyonated eggs
- Larvae hatch in the small intestine
- Adults establish themselves in the colon
- Females migrate nocturnally outside of the anus and lay their eggs
HOST INFORMATION
- Specific to humans
- Spread through fecal-oral route
- Common among school-aged children, institutionalized people, and household members of theinfected person
- Drugs can be used to treat pinworm
- This parasite is exists worldwide
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Infection occurs worldwide, but is most common in crowded school or preschool settings. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States.
SOURCES
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/pinworm/fact_sheet.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/biology.html