Threadworm

Question 1

What is another name for Enterobius vermiculris?

Answer 1

A: It is also known as pinworm or threadworm.

Question 2

What is the social impact of threadworm infections in the UK?

Answer 2

Threadworms cause incontinence and embarrassment, with a social stigma associated with lack of hygiene.

Question 3

What is the appearance of threadworms?

Answer 3

Threadworms are white and thread-like in appearance. Adult males are 2–5 mm, and adult females are 8–13 mm.

Question 4

How is Enterobius vermicularis (threadworm) primarily transmitted?

Answer 4

Mostly via the faecal-oral route, but also through retroinfection and occasionally by inhalation.

Question 5

How does faecal-oral transmission occur for threadworms?

Answer 5

Eggs can get lodged under nails, be ingested, or transferred via contaminated surfaces.

Question 6

What is retroinfection in threadworm infections?

Answer 6

Retroinfection occurs when larvae hatch on the anal mucosa and migrate back into the sigmoid colon.

Question 7

How resistant are threadworm eggs?

Answer 7

Threadworm eggs are highly resistant to environmental factors and can be transferred to clothing, bed linen, and inanimate objects like toys.

Question 8

What happens after threadworm eggs are ingested?

Answer 8

Duodenal fluids break down the eggs, releasing larvae into the intestines.

Question 9

What happens after mating in female threadworms?

Answer 9

The female migrates to the anus at night, lays thousands of eggs on the perianal area, causing itching

Question 10

Why do threadworms lay eggs at night?

Answer 10

It’s thought that reduced body temperature or gut motility triggers the female to lay eggs at night.

Question 11

Are threadworm eggs visible to the human eye?

Answer 11

No, threadworm eggs are not visible to the human eye and are infective immediately, even two weeks outside the body.

Question 12

How does the threadworm life cycle continue?

Answer 12

Transmission occurs when eggs are ingested, restarting the cycle in the gut.

Question 13

in Which groups of people is threadworm most popular?

Answer 13

• Mostly in children (aged 4-
  11yrs)
• Higher rate in institutions

Question 14

What is the main symptom of a threadworm infection?

Answer 14

Intense perianal itching, worse at night, caused by eggs laid on the perianal area.

Question 15

How is threadworm infection diagnosed?

Answer 15

The “sticky tape test” can be used in the morning (before wiping or bathing) to collect eggs, then examined under a microscope. pressing the adhesive side of a piece of transparent tape to the skin around the anus of the person you suspect has pinworms as soon as the person awakens. The eggs stick to the tape.

diagnosis can be confirmed by observing worms in stool.

Question 16

What complications can arise from a threadworm infection?

Answer 16

Complications include excoriation (OCD-picking at skin) and secondary bacterial infection, which may require referral.

Question 17

Are there usually any accompanying symptoms with threadworm infections?

Answer 17

Usually none, but severe cases may present with symptoms like diarrhoea.

Question 18

What are some warning signs that may require referral in threadworm infections? (7)

Answer 18

-Fever

-bedwetting

-pain on urination

-vaginal discharge

-vomiting

-severe diarrhoea

-unexplained weight loss

Question 19

What’s a question that should be asked to patients with worms ?

Answer 19

if they have travelled abroad recently- could suggest other type of worms

Question 20

What is the first-line drug treatment for threadworm?

Answer 20

The first-line treatment is an anthelmintic that inhibits the worm’s uptake of glucose.

Question 21

What are the common brand names for this anthelmintic?
What forms and dosages are available for this treatment?

Answer 21

Ovex® (P) and Vermox® (POM).

100mg tablets or suspension.

Question 22

What is the age range for approved use of Ovex® (P) and Vermox®?

Answer 22

Approved for use in children aged 2 years and older; can be prescribed off-label for children aged 6 months-2 years.

Question 23

Who should be treated in case of a threadworm infection?

Answer 23

All household members should be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection.

Question 24

How often should treatment using Ovex® (P) and Vermox® be repeated?

Answer 24

Treatment should be repeated after 14 days if infection persists.

Question 25

Are there any contraindications for Ovex® (P) and Vermox®?

Answer 25

should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Question 26

Why do threadworm infections often recur after treatment?

Answer 26

Recurring infections are usually due to re-infection, not drug failure.

Question 27

What hygiene measures are necessary to prevent re-infection?

Answer 27

Hygiene measures are essential to remove eggs and prevent re-infection, including frequent washing and cleaning.

Question 28

How long should hygiene measures be followed if using anthelmintic treatment?
.

Answer 28

At least 2 weeks of hygiene measures are needed if the anthelmintic has been used

Question 29

How long should hygiene measures be followed if not using anthelmintic treatment?

Answer 29

Hygiene measures should be followed for at least 6 weeks if no anthelmintic treatment is used.

Question 30

What should be done for infants under 6 months, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals?

Answer 30

They should only use hygiene measures (not anthelmintics) for at least 6 weeks.

Question 31

What habits should be avoided to prevent re-infection?

Answer 31

Avoid biting nails and putting hands in the mouth; cut fingernails short.

Question 32

What are the main classes of anthelmintics?

Answer 32

1. Benzimidazoles
2. Nicotinic Receptor Agonists
3. Macrocyclic Lactones (Avermectins, Milbemycins)

Question 33

What are common side effects of anthelmintics?

Answer 33

Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, anorexia) and skin rash or urticaria.

Question 34

what are antihelminthics also known as?

Answer 34

They are also as vermifuges, vermicides, parasiticides, endectocides, and nematocides.