Title:Pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis) Infestation: An Updated Review
Volume: 20
Author(s): Alexander K.C. Leung*, Joseph M. Lam, Benjamin Barankin, Alex H.C. Wong, Kin Fon Leong and Kam Lun Hon
Affiliation:
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Keywords:
Albendazole, enterobiasis, Enterobius vermicularis, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, roundworm, thread-like nematode
Abstract: Background: Pinworm infestation is an important public health problem worldwide, especially
among children 5 to 10 years of age in developing countries with temperate climates. The
problem is often overlooked because of its mild or asymptomatic clinical manifestations.
Objective: The purpose of this article was to familiarize pediatricians with the diagnosis and management
of pinworm infestation.
Methods: A search was conducted in August 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key
terms “Enterobius vermicularis,” OR “enterobiasis,” OR “pinworm.” The search strategy included
all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers
published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved
from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article.
Results: Enterobiasis is a cosmopolitan parasitosis caused by Enterobius vermicularis. It affects
approximately 30% of children worldwide and up to 60% of children in some developing countries.
Predisposing factors include poor socioeconomic conditions, inadequate sanitation, poor personal
hygiene, and overcrowding. Children aged 5 to 14 years have shown the highest prevalence
of enterobiasis.. Egg transmission is mainly by the fecal-oral route. Approximately 30 to 40% of
infested patients do not show any clinical symptoms of the disease. For symptomatic patients, the
most common presenting symptom is nocturnal pruritus ani. The diagnosis of E. vermicularis infection
is best established by the cellophane tape test. The sensitivity of one single test is around
50%; however, the sensitivity increases to approximately 90% with tests performed on three different
mornings. If a worm is visualized in the perianal area or the stool, a pathological examination
of the worm will yield a definitive diagnosis. As pinworms and eggs are not usually passed in the
stool, examination of the stool is not recommended. The drugs of choice for the treatment of pinworm
infestation are mebendazole (100 mg), pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg, maximum 1 g), and albendazole
(400 mg), all of the above-mentioned drugs are given in a single dose and repeated in
two weeks. Mebendazole and albendazole are both adulticidal and ovicidal, whereas pyrantel pamoate
is only adulticidal. Given their safety and effectiveness, mebendazole and albendazole are
currently the best available drugs for the treatment of pinworm infestation. For pregnant women,
pyrantel is preferred to mebendazole and albendazole. Treatment of all household members
should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated symptomatic infections because
reinfection is common even when effective medication is given.
Conclusion: In spite of effective treatment of pinworm infestation, recurrences are common. Recurrences
are likely due to repeated cycles of reinfection (particularly, autoinfection) because of
the short life span of adult pinworms. Good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, especially
after bowel movements and before meals, clipping of fingernails, avoidance of finger-sucking,
nail-biting, and scratching in the anogenital area, are important preventive measures. Treatment
of all household members should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated
symptomatic infections.
