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Pinworm
Alternate Names : Enterobiasis, Oxyuriasis, Pinworm Infection
DefinitionPinworm is acommon intestinal parasitic infection that primarily affects children.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pinworm infection is caused by the small worm called Enterobius vermicularis. It is the most common worm infection in the United States and it most commonly affects school-age children.
The pinworm's only reservoir is humans, and the worms are transmitted from person to person by ingesting eggs (oral-fecal route), or through contact with contaminated bedding, food, or other items.
Upon ingestion of eggs, larvae eventually hatch in the small intestine and worms then mature in the colon. Female worms then migrate to the anal area, especially at night, and deposit their eggs. This may lead to itching and sometimes infection of the involved area.
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• Definition
• Pinworm Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Pinworm Symptoms & Signs
• Pinworm Prevention
• Pinworm Diagnosis & Tests
• Pinworm Treatment
• Pinworm Prognosis
• Pinworm Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Other Topics
• Irritability
• Itching
Review Date : 8/11/2003
Reviewed By : Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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