Pinworms

What is Pinworm Infection?

Pinworms are parasites, which can live in the human colon or the rectum. These worms are also known as threadworms. In medical terms, pinworm infection is referred to as enterobiasis. These worms use the human body to survive and multiply but cannot infect other animals. Once an individual is infected by pinworms, these worms will mature in the intestines and then lay eggs in the anal region in order to reproduce.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

The most common symptoms associated with pinworm infection include:

• Anal itching.
• Sleep disturbances due to itching.
• Mild nausea.
• Reduced appetite.
• Recurring stomach pain.
• Weight loss.
• Irritability.

What are the main causes?

Pinworms spread through contact with its eggs, which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Due to poor hygiene, the eggs from the anal area may be transferred from the infected person on to some other surface, which may then be touched by others. Placing the fingers in the mouth and ingesting the eggs after this contact will cause the infection.

The eggs of pinworms may be found on the personal items of the infected individual.

In rare cases, the pinworm eggs may enter an individual by breathing-in the infected air.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

In some cases, the pinworms may be easily seen on the underwear of the infected person. The chances of spotting pinworms in the underwear or the toilet are higher during the night time as that is when the female worm lays eggs. Pinworms are white and thread-like in appearance.

The doctor may use a moistened swab from the anal region in order to inspect the sample under the microscope.

The tape test, which involves using clear tape to collect the sample from the anal region, may also be used for spotting pinworm eggs under the microscope.

Various medications are used to treat and get rid of pinworms. These medications work by:

• Blocking the ability of the worm to absorb glucose to survive.
• Paralyzing the worms.

Maintain proper hygiene by keeping your hands clean in order to prevent the spread of infection. 

1. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Pinworms.
2. KidsHealth [Internet]. The Nemours Foundation; Pinworms.
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [internet], Atlanta (GA): US Department of Health and Human Services; Pinworm Infection FAQs.
4. Department of Health[internet]. New York State Department; Pinworm Infection.
5. Caldwell JP. Pinworms (Enterobius Vermicularis). Can Fam Physician. 1982 Feb;28:306-9. PMID: 21286054