Enterobiasis is the medical condition of being infected with pinworms. The medical name for the pinworm is Enterobius vermicularis. The pinworm is about the length of a staple. It lives for the most part within the rectum of humans. While an infected person is asleep, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus.



Kinds of Enterobiasis:

There are two kinds of enterobiasis are found. These are :-

infestation:-the state of being overrun in unpleasantly large numbers

infection:- the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms.

Causes

The small worm called Enterobius vermicularis causes pinworm infection. It is the most common worm infection in the United States and it most commonly affects school-age children. They are followed on frequency by preschoolers. Institutional settings, including day care facilities, often harbor cases of pinworm infection. Sometimes, nearly half of the children may be infected by enterobiasis.

If pinworms are suspected, transparent adhesive tape or a pinworm paddle (supplied by your health care provider) are applied to the anal region. The eggs adhere to the sticky tape or paddle and are identified by examination under a microscope. The test should be done as soon as you wake up in the morning.

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of pinworms are intense itching around the anus and/or vagina, excoriation, irritation or infection of the skin around the anus from constant scratching, sleep disturbance (usually due to itching that occurs during the night when the adult worms migrate out through the anus to lay their eggs). Less common symptoms range from upset stomach to loss of appetite, irritability, loss of appetite, and insomnia.

Treatment

The pinworm occurs worldwide, and in all socio-economic groups. However, it is more common in temperate regions, and among those with poor hygiene. That doesn't mean people with good hygiene can't get infected, however. 500 million infections are reported annually worldwide. 50% of children become infected at some point.

Pinworm infection is treated with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This reatment of drug involves a two-dose course. The second dose should be given 2 weeks after the first. Even with the availability of drugs OTC, you should consult your health care provider before treating a suspected case of pinworm.

To control egg infestation, wash hands before meals and after using the toilet, keep fingernails short and clean, wash all bed linen twice weekly, and clean toilet seats daily.