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Highlights & Basics
- Pinworm infection is the most common helminthic infection in the US.
- Although most infected individuals are asymptomatic, perianal itching is the most common clinical presentation.
- Diagnosis is made by applying adhesive tape to the perianal area and examining for eggs or adult worms.
- Treatment consists of a single dose of an appropriate anthelmintic followed by a repeat dose at 2 weeks.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
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Citations
Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, et al, eds. Red Book: 2021-2024 report of the committee on infectious diseases. 32 nd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 5: travel-associated infections and diseases - enterobiasis / pinworm. May 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
1. Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, et al, eds. Red Book: 2021-2024 report of the committee on infectious diseases. 32 nd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
2. Shetty JB, Kulkarni DV, Prabhu V. Eggs containing larvae of Enterobius vermicularis in vaginal smear. J Cytol. 2012 Jan;29(1):94-6.[Abstract][Full Text]
3. Choudhury S, Kumar B, Pal DK. Enterobius vermicularis infestation of urinary tract leading to recurrent urinary tract infection. Trop Parasitol. 2017 Jul-Dec;7(2):119-21.[Abstract][Full Text]
4. Pigac B, Mašić S, Mašić V. Enterobius vermicularis in the endometrium of the uterus: a case report. Iran J Parasitol. 2017 Oct-Dec;12(4):638-41.[Abstract][Full Text]
5. Ngui R, Ravindran S, Ong DB, et al. Enterobius vermicularis salpingitis seen in the setting of ectopic pregnancy in a Malaysian patient. J Clin Microbiol. 2014 Sep;52(9):3468-70.[Abstract][Full Text]
6. St Georgiev V. Chemotherapy of enterobiasis (oxyuriasis). Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001 Feb;2(2):267-75.[Abstract]
7. Rajendran S, Carmody E, Murphy M, et al. Enterobius granulomas as a cause of abdominal pain. BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Aug 18;2015:bcr2015210464.[Full Text]
8. Bharathi K, Anuradha S, Chandrasekar VA, et al. Enterobius vermicularis worm granuloma mimicking like a pseudo tumor in the anal canal: an unusual clinical presentation. Trop Parasitol. 2012 Jul;2(2):124-6.[Abstract][Full Text]
9. Kılıç S, Ekinci S, Orhan D, et al. Enterobius granuloma: an unusual cause of omental mass in an 11-year-old girl. Turk J Pediatr. 2014 Mar-Apr;56(2):189-91.[Abstract][Full Text]
10. Naalla R, Sankalp, Shetty P, et al. Worm in vermiform appendix: a surgeon's perspective. BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Jun 27;2014:bcr2014205411.[Full Text]
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection). Jun 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
12. Wendt S, Trawinski H, Schubert S, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of pinworm infection. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 Mar 29;116(13):213-9.[Abstract][Full Text]
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): epidemiology and risk factors. Jan 2013 [internet publication].[Full Text]
14. Despommier DD, Gwadz RW, Hotez PJ, et al. Parasitic Diseases. 4th ed. New York, NY: Apple Trees Productions; 2000.
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enterobiasis (Enterobius vermicularis). Aug 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 5: travel-associated infections and diseases - enterobiasis / pinworm. May 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
17. Kim DH, Son HM, Kim JY, et al. Parents' knowledge about enterobiasis might be one of the most important risk factors for enterobiasis in children. Korean J Parasitol. 2010 Jun;48(2):121-6.[Abstract][Full Text]
18. Baydaş B, Uslu H, Yavuz I, et al. Effect of a chronic nail-biting habit on the oral carriage of enterobacteriaceae. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2007 Feb;22(1):1-4.[Abstract]
19. Idowu OA, Babatunde O, Soniran T, et al. Parasitic infections in finger-sucking school age children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011 Sep;30(9):791-2.[Abstract][Full Text]
20. Reddy S, Sanjai K, Kumaraswamy J, et al. Oral carriage of enterobacteriaceae among school children with chronic nail-biting habit. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2013 May;17(2):163-8.[Abstract][Full Text]
21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): diagnosis. Jan 2013 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): treatment. Aug 2016 [internet publication].[Full Text]
23. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): resources for health professionals. Aug 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
24. Centers for Disease Control and Prvention. Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): prevention and control. Dec 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]
