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Questions and Answers
What is a possible consequence of ectopic migration of adult worms in females?
What is a possible consequence of ectopic migration of adult worms in females?
Which method is most effective for identifying eggs of the worm in the perianal region?
Which method is most effective for identifying eggs of the worm in the perianal region?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with infection by the adult worm?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with infection by the adult worm?
What is necessary for effective treatment of worm infections within a household?
What is necessary for effective treatment of worm infections within a household?
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Which factor can hinder strict hygienic measures in preventing worm infections?
Which factor can hinder strict hygienic measures in preventing worm infections?
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What is the primary cause of Enterobiasis?
What is the primary cause of Enterobiasis?
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Which age group exhibits a higher rate of Enterobiasis infection?
Which age group exhibits a higher rate of Enterobiasis infection?
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What is the typical habitat of the adult Enterobius vermicularis?
What is the typical habitat of the adult Enterobius vermicularis?
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Where in the body do gravid female Enterobius vermicularis lay their eggs?
Where in the body do gravid female Enterobius vermicularis lay their eggs?
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How long can eggs of Enterobius vermicularis remain viable outside the host?
How long can eggs of Enterobius vermicularis remain viable outside the host?
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What symptom is primarily associated with Enterobiasis due to the activity of migrating female adults?
What symptom is primarily associated with Enterobiasis due to the activity of migrating female adults?
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What is retrofection in the context of Enterobius vermicularis?
What is retrofection in the context of Enterobius vermicularis?
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What is the typical lifespan of adult Enterobius vermicularis in the human host?
What is the typical lifespan of adult Enterobius vermicularis in the human host?
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Study Notes
Enterobiasis Overview
- Enterobiasis, also known as oxyuriasis or pinworm infection, is caused by the parasite Enterobius vermicularis.
- The infection is typically asymptomatic but can cause perianal pruritus and pruritus of the vagina.
- The infection is widespread and more common in temperate climates.
- Children (5-7 years old) have a higher prevalence.
- Nail biting and thumb sucking increase fecal-oral transmission, thus it is common in nursery and boarding schools.
Enterobiasis Habitat
- Adult worms typically reside in the lumen of the large intestine, particularly the cecum, appendix, and ascending colon.
- Occasionally, adults are found in the rectum and lower colon.
Enterobiasis Morphology and Life Cycle
- Adult female worms are 8-13 mm long and 0.3-0.5 mm in diameter. The posterior end is pointed and the vulva is located one-third from the anterior end.
- Adult male worms are 2.5-5 mm long and 0.2 mm in diameter. They have a curved tail and a spicule.
- The worm has a cuticular alar expansion (cervical alae) at the anterior end.
- The gravid female worms migrate to the perianal region to lay eggs at night (11,000 to 15,000 eggs).
- Eggs mature and become infectious within several hours.
- The adult female worms die after laying eggs.
- Eggs are plano-convex, flattened on the ventral side, measuring 50-60 μ by 20-30 μ.
- Egg shells are hyaline and albuminous, easily attaching to fingers and clothing.
- Eggs are viable for 2-3 weeks outside the host.
Enterobiasis Epidemiology
- Enterobiasis has a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning it is found throughout the world.
- Higher prevalence in temperate countries compared to tropical countries.
- A higher rate of infection is seen in older children (5-7 years).
Enterobiasis Pathology & Symptoms
- Perianal itching (pruritus ani), and irritation of the vagina (pruritus vulvae) from migrating worms.
- Itchiness is caused by both the adult worms and eggs.
- Associated symptoms may include a poor appetite, loss of sleep, weight loss, hyperactivity, enuresis (bed wetting), insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
- In rarer cases, the worms can migrate to the appendage, causing appendicitis; or the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, peritoneal cavity, or urinary bladder; potentially causing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Enterobiasis Diagnosis
- Scotch tape test is a widely used diagnostic method for identifying the eggs.
- A Scotch tape is applied to the perianal area (preferably in the early morning before taking a bath).
- The tape is examined microscopically for the presence of eggs.
- The method provides the greatest number of eggs for identification.
- The tape is made of cellophane.
Enterobiasis Treatment
- Individual treatment is often ineffective if household members are not treated simultaneously as they remain a source of re-infection.
- Mebendazole (Vermox) or Albendazole are the common treatments.
Enterobiasis Prevention
- Personal cleanliness is crucial.
- Fingernails should be short.
- Thorough handwashing with soap after using the toilet.
- Group treatment (in a household or school setting) is more effective.
- Avoiding dust-borne and retroinfection is challenging to achieve without strict hygienic measures.
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Description
This quiz delves into enterobiasis, a pinworm infection caused by Enterobius vermicularis. You'll explore its symptoms, common habitats, and the morphology and life cycle of the adult worms. It's essential knowledge for understanding this widespread parasitic infection, particularly in children.
