Intestinal worms- pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) Custom Search Pin worms are quite small compared to round worms measuring half to one centimeter. The adult worms live in the large intestine. The female lays eggs around the anus usually at night. This causes intense itching. When the child scratches, the eggs can contaminate the fingers and get swallowed when the child keeps fingers in month leading to auto infection. Clinical findings: The usual complaint is itching around the anus. Occasionally the worms can come out of anus and enter the urethra in female children leading to irritation and pain while passing urine. The worms may also enter the vagina. Life cycle of pinworm
Diagnosis: Parents may notice the small adult worms near the anus. A piece of transparent tape many be pressed over the anal area and then examined under microscope to demonstrate the eggs. Treatment: All the drugs given for round worms are equally effective in the treatment of pinworms. The drugs are not effective against the ova. Hence treatment should be repeated after 2 weeks to eradicate newly hatched adult worms. It may be desirable to treat all household contacts to prevent re infection. Preventive measures: Nails should be trimmed regularly and kept clean. Children should wear undergarments as night to prevent contamination of fingers. Whip worms (Trichuris trichiura)Whip worm is so called because the shape of the worm resembles that of a whip. It is common in warm and humid areas. The adult worms live in the cecum and colon. The ova are passed in the stool and when ingested hatch in upper small intestine. Unlike round worms they do not enter the blood stream. Mild infection may be as asymptomatic. Severe infection can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Rectal prolapsed can occur in some children. Life cycle of whipworm
Diagnosis can be confirmed by seeing the ova in fecal sample. Adult worms may be seen in prolapsed rectum. Treatment: Mebendazole 100mg twice daily for 3 days or Albendezole 400mg as a single dose are effective. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 7th October 2010
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