Human is the only host of the Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworms). Infective ova contains rhabdiform larva (infective eggs) which is ingested by humans. The larvae are released into the duodenum, then migrate to the lower intestine.
How do Enterobius vermicularis lay eggs?
Gravid adult female Enterobius vermicularis deposit eggs on perianal folds . Infection occurs via self-inoculation (transferring eggs to the mouth with hands that have scratched the perianal area) or through exposure to eggs in the environment (e.g. contaminated surfaces, clothes, bed linens, etc.) .
What is the life cycle of Enterobius vermicularis?
The Enterobius Vermicularis life cycle continues. It's worth noting that an adult pinworm only lives for around two months. Pinworms live their whole life cycle as parasites inside the human body. The eggs are consumed from any source. Human intestines are where they grow and reproduce.
Is Enterobius vermicularis acasual agent?
Casual Agent: The nematode (roundworm) Enterobius vermicularis (previously Oxyuris vermicularis) also called human pinworm. (Adult females: 8 to 13 mm, adult male: 2 to 5 mm. ) Humans are considered to be the only hosts of E. vermicularis.
What is pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis)?
About Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis): Pinworm Infection is the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworm eggs are spread directly from person to person and infect the intestines.
How does Enterobius vermicularis enter the body?
People become infected, usually unknowingly, by swallowing (ingesting) infective pinworm eggs that are on fingers, under fingernails, or on clothing, bedding, and other contaminated objects and surfaces. Because of their small size, pinworm eggs sometimes can become airborne and ingested while breathing.
Do Enterobius vermicularis infect humans?
Pinworm infection is caused by a small, thin, white roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis. Although pinworom infection can affect all people, it most commonly occurs among children, institutionalized persons, and household members of persons with pinworm infection.
What is the infective form of Enterobius vermicularis?
Pinworms and Whipworms Enterobiasis (pinworms, Enterobius vermicularis) and trichuriasis (whipworms, Trichuris trichiura) can be acquired through environmental contact with soil or food contaminated with eggs. The infective eggs are ingested, and the larvae hatch within the small intestine.
Can Enterobius be transmitted through inhalation?
Enterobiasis or pinworm infection is a common, contagious, parasitic infestation found mainly in children. The disorder is spread by swallowing or inhaling the tiny eggs of the pinworm.
How do you get pinworms in humans?
How does someone get pinworms?By an infected child not washing hands after using the bathroom. ... Pinworm eggs can also be transferred to the fingers from clothing or bedding, and then spread around the home.Eggs may be inhaled from the air or deposited onto food and swallowed.More items...
What causes pinworms in humans?
Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.
Can Enterobius vermicularis be found in urine?
Diagnosis of Enterobius infestation is made by either scotch-tape test or finding worms or typical planoconvex ova in stool or rarely in urine sample. Routine examination of stool sample gives positive diagnosis in only 5%–15% of patients.
What is the intermediate host of Enterobius vermicularis?
Hosts. Oxyurid nematodes (pinworms) generally exhibit high host specificity. Humans are considered the only host for E. vermicularis, although occasional infections have been reported in captive chimpanzees.
Where are pinworms primarily found in the body?
Pinworms are tiny (one-half-inch), white, threadlike roundworms found mainly in the colon and rectum. They enter the body when pinworm eggs are swallowed. The eggs then hatch in the small intestine.
Can pinworms get into your bloodstream?
The pinworm lives in the lower part of the small intestine, and the upper part of the colon. It is found worldwide and causes the common infection enterobiasis in humans. Unlike many other intestinal parasites, the pinworm does not usually enter the bloodstream or any other organs besides the intestines.
Are pinworms contagious in humans?
Pinworm infections (also known as "seatworm infection" or "threadworm infection") are contagious. Pinworms get into the body when people ingest or breathe in the microscopic pinworm eggs. These eggs can be found on contaminated hands and surfaces, such as: bed linens.
How is schistosomiasis contracted?
How can I get schistosomiasis? Infection occurs when your skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater in which certain types of snails that carry schistosomes are living. Freshwater becomes contaminated by Schistosoma eggs when infected people urinate or defecate in the water.
Can Enterobius vermicularis be found in urine?
Diagnosis of Enterobius infestation is made by either scotch-tape test or finding worms or typical planoconvex ova in stool or rarely in urine sample. Routine examination of stool sample gives positive diagnosis in only 5%–15% of patients.
How do hookworms infect humans?
The larvae mature into a form that can penetrate the skin of humans. Hookworm infection is transmitted primarily by walking barefoot on contaminated soil. One kind of hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale)can also be transmitted through the ingestion of larvae.
How is Enterobius vermicularis treated?
The medications used for the treatment of pinworm are either mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole. Any of these drugs are given in one dose initially, and then another single dose of the same drug two weeks later. Pyrantel pamoate is available without prescription.
How can Enterobius vermicularis be prevented?
Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food is the most successful way to prevent pinworm infection.
Where are E. vermicularis larvae found?
E. vermicularis larvae are often found within the appendix on appendectomy, but the role of this nematode in appendicitis remains controversial. Very rare instances of eosinophilic colitis associated with E. vermicularis larvae have been reported. Page last reviewed: August 5, 2019.
How does egg infection occur?
Infection occurs via self-inoculation (transferring eggs to the mouth with hands that have scratched the perianal area) or through exposure to eggs in the environment (e.g. contaminated surfaces, clothes, bed linens, etc.) .
What is the name of the worm that has a long pointed tail?
Causal Agent. The nematode (roundworm) Enterobius vermicularis is widely known as the human pinworm due to the female’s long, pointed tail. In some areas the common names “seatworm” and “threadworm” are used (the latter of which is sometimes also used to refer to Strongyloides stercoralis).
How long does it take for an infected egg to hatch?
The time interval from ingestion of infective eggs to oviposition by the adult females is about one month.
Is enterobiasis asymptomatic or asymptomatic?
Enterobiasis is frequently asymptomatic. The most typical symptom is perianal pruritus, especially at night, which may lead to excoriations and bacterial superinfection. Occasionally, invasion of the female genital tract with vulvovaginitis and pelvic or peritoneal granulomas can occur.
How big is an enterobius vermicularis?
Adult males of Enterobius vermicularis measure up to 2.5 mm long by 0.1-0.2 mm wide; adult females measure 8-13 mm long by 0.3-0.5 mm wide. Adult males have a blunt posterior end with a single spicule; females possess a long pointed tail.
How to diagnose enterobiasis?
They are usually partially embryonated when shed. Enterobiasis can be diagnosed by applying cellulose tape to the anus of a suspect patient, especially in the morning before the patient’s first bowel movement. Eggs will adhere to the tape and can be seen microscopically.
What is the arrow in the female E. vermicularis?
Figure B: Cross-section of an adult female E. vermicularis from the same specimen shown in Figure A. Note the presence of the alae (blue arrow), intestine (green arrow) and ovaries (black arrows).
How long does it take for an infected egg to hatch?
The time interval from ingestion of infective eggs to oviposition by the adult females is about one month.
Is enterobiasis asymptomatic or asymptomatic?
Enterobiasis is frequently asymptomatic. The most typical symptom is perianal pruritus, especially at night, which may lead to excoriations and bacterial superinfection. Occasionally, invasion of the female genital tract with vulvovaginitis and pelvic or peritoneal granulomas can occur. Other symptoms include, teeth grinding, enuresia, insomnia, anorexia, irritability, and abdominal pain, which can mimic appendicitis. E. vermicularis larvae are often found within the appendix on appendectomy, but the role of this nematode in appendicitis remains controversial. Very rare instances of eosinophilic colitis associated with E. vermicularis larvae have been reported.
Habitat
Adult worms (gravid females) dwell in the human caecum and vermiform appendix, where they stay until the eggs hatch. They usually stay on the mucosa's surface, but they might infrequently encyst in the submucosa layer. The pinworm dwells in the upper section of the colon and the lower part of the small intestine.
Morphology
The adult worm is small, white in color, spindle-shaped, and looks like a strand of thread.
Female Worm
The adult female is larger, with a length of 8-12mm and a width of 0.3-0.5mm.
Life Cycle of Enterobius Vermicularis
It's critical to understand how pinworms enter our system before moving on to the lifespan phase. Pinworm eggs are spread through person-to-person transfer. This is now transmitted through the handling of infected surfaces like clothing, linen, curtains, and carpets.
Retro - Infection
It's worth noting that an adult pinworm only lives for around two months. Pinworms live their whole life cycle as parasites inside the human body. The eggs are consumed from any source. Human intestines are where they grow and reproduce. Retro-infection occurs when newly born larvae travel back into the anus after hatching.
Modes of Transmission
The only source of infection is infected, humans. There is no known extra-human reserve.
Things to Remember
People can get sick by ingesting the embryonated eggs attached to their nails during perianal scratching.
Drugs used to treat Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.