Pinworm (parasite)
- The pinworm (genus Enterobius) is a type of roundworm (nematode), and three species of pinworm have been identified with certainty. [15] ...
- Two female pinworms next to a ruler: The markings are 1 mm apart. ...
- Life cycle of E. vermicularis showing the stages inside and outside of the human body ...
- Main article: Enterobiasis ...
What is Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)?
Enterobius vermicularis, also called pinworm, is one of the most common nematode infections in the world. Originally, E. vermicularis was named Oxyuris vermicularis. Humans are the only natural host for this infection.
What is the natural host of Enterobius vermicularis?
Humans are the only natural host of Enterobius vermicularis. Enterobius gregorii, another human species is morphologically indistinguishable from Enterobius vermicularis except the spicule size. Throughout this article, the word "pinworm" refers to Enterobius.
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 the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis?
Although Enterobius vermicularis infection can affect patients of all ages, it primarily resides in children, affecting between 4% and 28% of children worldwide [1-3]. Transmission is most common via the faecal-oral route and following ingestion of infected eggs, the larvae hatch in the stomach and small intestine.
What type of parasite is enterobiasis?
Parasites - Enterobiasis (also known as Pinworm Infection) Pinworm infection is caused by a small, thin, white roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis.
What is the classification of Enterobius vermicularis?
SecernenteaHuman pinworm / ClassSecernentea was a class of nematodes in the Classical Phylogeny System and is no longer in use. This morphological-based classification system has been replaced by the Modern Phylogeny system, where taxonomy assignment is based on small subunit ribosomal DNA. Wikipedia
Is Enterobius vermicularis an obligate parasite?
E. vermicularis, or pinworm, is an obligate parasite infecting approximately 1000 million humans worldwide.
Is Enterobius vermicularis a helminth?
Enterobius vermicularis, also called pinworm, is one of the most common helminth infections in the world, with most cases occurring in children.
What are the classification of parasites?
There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
Is Enterobius vermicularis a roundworm?
The nematode (roundworm) Enterobius vermicularis is widely known as the human pinworm due to the female's long, pointed tail.
What are facultative and obligate parasites?
An organism that can not complete its life cycle without its host is called obligate parasite. They cannot live without host. A facultative parasite is an organism that may resort to parasitic activity, but does not absolutely rely on any host for completion of its life cycle. It is not completely dependent on host.
What is the example of obligate parasite?
An example of an obligate parasite is the bacteria Chlamydia. They are known to grow within the bacteria Escherichia coli.
Which is the obligate parasite?
viruses. All viruses are obligate parasites; that is, they lack metabolic machinery of their own to generate energy or to synthesize proteins, so they depend on host cells to carry out these vital functions.
Which parasites are helminths?
Classification. Helminth is a general term for a parasitic worm. The helminths include the Platyhelminthes or flatworms (flukes and tapeworms) and the Nematoda or roundworms.
What classification is helminth?
The helminths are invertebrates characterized by elongated, flat or round bodies. In medically oriented schemes the flatworms or platyhelminths (platy from the Greek root meaning “flat”) include flukes and tapeworms. Roundworms are nematodes (nemato from the Greek root meaning “thread”).
What is a type of helminth?
Helminths are parasitic worms that can infect humans and other animals. There are three types of helminths: flukes (trematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and roundworms (nematodes).
What group is the pinworm classified in?
nematodeThe pinworm (species Enterobius vermicularis), also known as threadworm (in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand) or seatworm, is a parasitic worm. It is a nematode (roundworm) and a common intestinal parasite or helminth, especially in humans.
What are the 3 worm classifications?
Many very different and unrelated types of animals that are generally long and soft are called worms. Of these, three common types of worms are: the flatworm, the roundworm, and the segmented worm.
What are the 3 classes of worms?
The three main groups of worms are flatworms, roundworms, and segmented worms.
What is the general characteristics of 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. In both sexes, there are cephalic expansions.
What are the symptoms of enterobius vermicularis?from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Approximately a third of patients with Enterobius vermicularisare asymptomatic. The most common symptom associated with pinworm infestation is perianal itching. Perianal erythema may be seen due to the itching and scratching. Sometimes a superficial bacterial infection can occur at the scratching sites resulting in erythema and warmth. Persistent itching can cause disturbances in sleep and may lead to insomnia. Female genitourinary infections have also been reported in the literature. Watery diarrhea has been reported in some patients. Sometimes abdominal pain and other serious complications like appendicitis can occur due to worms blocking the lumen in the appendix or lead to inflammation around the appendix.[4] Sometimes tiny thread-like worms may be visible to the naked eye in the perianal area.
¿Qué tipo de agente parasítico es la enterobiasis?from azsalud.com
La enterobiasis supone una excepción a esta regla general, ya que el nemátodo Enterobius forma parte del 16 % de los agentes parasíticos patógenos que se han especializado evolutivamente en utilizar al ser humano como fuente de supervivencia. Debido a su especificidad y prevalencia, se hace necesario comprender los mecanismos de infección y tratamientos ante esta patología tan extendida.
What are helminth parasites?from sciencedirect.com
Helminth parasites such as Trichuris trichuria, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Trichinella spiralis are large, multicellular eukaryotic pathogens that cause chronic infections ( Artis and Grencis, 2008; Cooper, 2009; Onah and Nawa, 2000 ). Depending on the nature of the helminth parasite, infection begins by the oral uptake of embryonated eggs, by ingestion of infective larvae, or via skin penetration by infective larvae. Larvae either migrate to or directly establish in the intestinal mucosa, where in most cases the larvae mature to the sexually mature adult form and establish a chronic infection. Although mortality rates are not significant, the so-called soil-transmitted helminth parasites are a significant public health and economic concern in countries where these infections remain endemic.
What is a pinworm infection?from healthline.com
What’s a pinworm infection? A pinworm infection is one of the most common types of human intestinal worm infections. Pinworms are tiny, narrow worms. They’re white in color and less than a half-inch long. Pinworm infections are also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis.
How do pinworms get their eggs?from sciencedirect.com
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. The adult worms live in the cecum and ascending colon.
How to diagnose enterobius?from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Enterobius can be diagnosed through a cellophane tape test or pinworm paddle test where an adhesive tape-like material is applied to the perianal area and then examined under a microscope. The examination might reveal characteristic ova which are 50 by 30 microns in size and have a flattened surface on one side or may reveal the worms. Female worms are around 8 to 13 mm long while male worms are 2 to 5 mm long. The examination is usually done in the early morning for higher diagnostic yield. If the examination is negative for five consecutive mornings, then the diagnosis is ruled out. Stool examination is not helpful in the diagnosis of E. vermicularisas they are only occasionally excreted in the stool usually. Sometimes analysis of the stool specimen is recommended to rule out other causes.
What is the most common type of worm infection?from healthline.com
Pinworm infections are also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis. They’re the most common type of human worm infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pinworm infections can spread easily. They’re most common in children between the ages of 5 and 10, people who live in institutions, ...
Are pinworms roundworms?
A pinworm (“threadworm”) is a small, thin, white roundworm (nematode) called Enterobius vermicularis that sometimes lives in the colon and rectum of humans.
What type of microorganism is a pinworm?
The pinworm (species Enterobius vermicularis), also known as threadworm (in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand) or seatworm, is a parasitic worm. It is a nematode (roundworm) and a common intestinal parasite or helminth, especially in humans.
Is Enterobius vermicularis a bacteria?
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 are the common names applied to Enterobius vermicularis?
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 common is Enterobius vermicularis in the world?
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common helminthic infection, affecting almost 1 billion people worldwide from all socioeconomic classes. In the United States, it affects 20 to 42 million people, 1 with a high prevalence among children, 67 institutional populations, 89101112 homosexuals, 1 and family contacts.
What is the morphology of 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. In both sexes, there are cephalic expansions.
What is pyrantel pamoate?
This medication is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm. Pyrantel belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. It works by making the worms unable to move (paralyzed) so that the body can remove them naturally in the stool.
What parasite is found in the appendix?
Enterobius vermicularis is the most commonly identified parasite incidentally found within the appendix of a clinically diagnosed appendicitis. This parasitic cause of appendicular colic, primarily affecting children, is an important cause of negative appendicectomy. We report an unusual and interesting case of a young female who presented with clinical features of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy revealed the presence of an Enterobius vermicularis infestation originating from the lumen of her vermiform appendix. Our case report is supplemented with a review of the literature, an overview of the parasitology, and discussion of pertinent symptomatology and peri-operative management strategies.
What is the most common parasite in the appendix?
The nematode Enterobius vermicularis, widely known as pinworm, is the foremost parasitic cause of gastrointestinal infection worldwide [1-4]. It is also the most commonly identified parasite incidentally found within the appendix of a clinically diagnosed appendicitis [2-5].
Where is Enterobius vermicularis found?
Enterobius vermicularis is a nematode commonly found in the tropics. Although alimentary tract infection is common, occasional reports exist of its occurrence in the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and other sites. Most often the eggs of E. vermicularis occur as a contaminant in vaginal pool material, especially among women with poor personal hygiene.
How big are E. vermicularis eggs?
vermicularis occur as a contaminant in vaginal pool material, especially among women with poor personal hygiene. These eggs are 50–60 μm by 20–25 μm. They are flattened on one side ( Fig. 7.72 ). The shell is double-walled and smooth. Within the egg, an embryo can often be recognized.
How do pinworms get their eggs?
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. The adult worms live in the cecum and ascending colon.
What is the name of the worm that produces an asymptomatic apnea?
Enterobius vermicularis . Enterobius vermicularis, or pinworm, produces an enterobiasis that is frequently asymptomatic. The most typical symptom is perianal pruritus, especially at night, when the worms migrate and become more active. Other symptoms include anorexia, irritability, and abdominal pain.
Why do pinworms spread?
Pinworm eggs are light and may be dispersed in fomites, potentially spreading the infection in institutions and daycare centers because of contamination of environmental surfaces. The clinical sequelae of pinworm infection are generally mild, and include pruritus ani and superficial cellulitis of the perianal skin.
What is a pinworm?
Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are a type of roundworm and are relatively small (approximately 1 cm length). Pinworms live in the colon and do not typically migrate to other regions of the body. ▪.
When was Ascaris first discovered?
In what is thought to be the oldest surviving written account of Ascaris in humans (dated to approximately 4700 y.o. (in China)), foods to avoid and a description of the symptoms of humans infected with these worms were accurately given ( Maggenti, 1981 ). In the area of the Nile River Valley, early Egyptian physicians recorded the presence of both Ascaris and Dracunculus (the “Guinea Worm”) in an ancient papyrus manuscript (written by Egyptian physicians around 3552–3550 y.o.) which was obtained and translated by the Egyptologist “Ebers” in 1872 ( Chitwood and Chitwood 1977; Maggenti, 1981 ). In the extant literature, the first mention of a nematode from a nonhuman animal was by Hippocrates about 2430 years ago where he described the occurrences of pinworm nematodes of both horses and human females. From that time, little further was discovered until Albertus Magnus and Demetrios Pepagomenos (in the thirteenth century, Rausch, 1983) recorded nematodes from falcons (also see Chitwood and Chitwood, 1977 ).
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.
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 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.) .
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 a pinworm?
Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.
How long do pinworm eggs stay on toilet seats?
Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include: Wash in the morning.
What age do pinworms occur?
Risk factors for pinworm infection include: Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
How long do pinworms live on surfaces?
Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.
What are the complications of pinworm?
Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include: Urinary tract infections. Weight loss.
Can pinworms cause sleepiness?
Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep. Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, ...
What is the best treatment for intestinal worms?
Typical medical treatments for intestinal worms are mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate. Mebendazole is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, so should be avoided in vaginal worm infections, however, albendazole is reported to have been successful in eradicating vaginal pinworm infestations.
What is a pinworm?
Pinworms may also be called just simply worms, threadworms, or seatworms ( Enterobius vermicularis ). These worms are contagious, with their eggs passed from surface to surface – sheets, towels, toilets, underwear, food, cups, plates, etc. We inadvertently eat the eggs, and then they hatch once inside our small intestine.
What are the symptoms of pinworm infection?
Signs and symptoms of vaginal pinworm infection. Vaginal discharge. Vaginal and vulvar itching, especially at night. Urethral itching or soreness. Urinary tract infection. Inflammation of vulvar and vaginal area – vaginitis. Worms may migrate to ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus causing inflammation and pain.
How long do pinworms live on surfaces?
Pinworm eggs can survive 2-3 weeks on a surface, but do not come from animals. You can usually see pinworms if you or your child are infected, because they are about as big as a staple, and white. They tend to appear in the toilet or in underwear.
How to get rid of parasitic worms in vagina?
You may need to get a special treatment designed for the vagina, however it will depend on the type of herbal medicine chosen .
Where do pinworms come from?
Since the pinworms are primarily found in the digestive tract , taking medicine that has direct contact with the worms works very well there. This isn’t always so in the vagina, and follow-up checks should be arranged to microscopically check for eggs and worms after treatment.
What is the best way to treat pinworms?
A good example of a common home remedy to treat pinworms is raw garlic. Garlic is not going to be appropriate for everyone, but can be effective.
What is the name of the worm that is a nematode?
Oxyuridae. Genus: Enterobius. Baird, 1853. Species. The pinworm ( species Enterobius vermicularis ), also known as threadworm (in the United Kingdom and Australia) or seatworm, is a parasitic worm. It is a nematode (roundworm) and a common intestinal parasite or helminth, especially in humans.
How long does it take for an E. vermicularis to molt?
Life cycle of E. vermicularis showing the stages inside and outside of the human body. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, takes place in the human gastrointestinal tract of a single host, from about 2–4 weeks or about 4–8 weeks. E. vermicularis molts four times; the first two within the egg before hatching and two before becoming adult worm.
What is a pinworm?
The pinworm (genus Enterobius) is a type of roundworm (nematode), and three species of pinworm have been identified with certainty. Humans are hosts only to Enterobius vermicularis (formerly Oxyurias vermicularis ). Chimpanzees are host to Enterobius anthropopitheci, which is morphologically distinguishable from the human pinworm. Hugot (1983) claims another species affects humans, Enterobius gregorii, which is supposedly a sister species of E. vermicularis, and has a slightly smaller spicule (i.e., sexual organ). Its existence is controversial, however; Totkova et al. (2003) consider the evidence to be insufficient, and Hasegawa et al. (2006) contend that E. gregorii is a younger stage of E. vermicularis. Regardless of its status as a distinct species, E. gregorii is considered clinically identical to E. vermicularis.
What is pinworm infection?
The medical condition associated with pinworm infestation is known as pinworm infection ( enterobiasis) (a type of helminthiasis) or less precisely as oxyuriasis in reference to the family Oxyuridae. Other than human, Enterobius vermicularis were reported from bonnet macaque.
How big are pinworm eggs?
The eggs measure 50 to 60 μm by 20 to 30 μm, and have a thick shell flattened on one side. The small size and colourlessness of the eggs make them invisible to the naked eye, except in barely visible clumps of thousands of eggs. Eggs may contain a developing embryo or a fully developed pinworm larva.
What is the oldest known instance of pinworms?
The earliest known instance of the pinworms associated with humans is evidenced by pinworm egg s found in human coprolites carbon dated to 7837 BC found in western Utah.
How many eggs do pinworms lay?
The estimations of the number of eggs in a gravid female pinworm range from about 11,000 to 16,000. The egg-laying process begins about five weeks after initial ingestion of pinworm eggs by the human host.
