ENTEROBIUS (PIN WORM)

Question 1

What kind of pathogen is Enterobius?

Answer 1

Parasite (pinworm)

Question 2

What is a strain of Enterobius (pinworms)?

Answer 2

E. vermicularis

Question 3

How are pinworms tansmitted?

Answer 3

Fecal-oral route,
usually self infection
fomites (found on surfaces commonly touched)
common in school aged kids

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of pinworms?

Answer 4

-live in the cecum
-migrate to the anus at night and lay eggs
-eggs can be infectious within hours
-self infection: anal scratching and touching the mouth

Question 5

How would a pinworm infection present?

Answer 5

-perianal itching (especially at night)
-cohabitants (people you live with) commonly infected

Question 6

How can pinworms be diagnosed?

Answer 6

Clinical diagnosis by symptoms
-Scotch tape test (put scotch tape on anus, worms will appear on tape)
-repeat exam 1-2 days later

Question 7

How can you treat pinworms?

Answer 7

-Albendazole
-Mebendenazole
-Pyrantel (de-worming med)
*retreatement in 2 weeks
-usually will treat cohabitants as well as patient