Causative & risk factors
The mode of infection is accidental swallowing of eggs of pinworms. These eggs hatch into the intestine and later mature into adult worms.
Pinworms lay their eggs in the anal region; this process produces itching. If the person scratches the affected area, the eggs stick to the nails and fingers. These eggs can then contaminate other people either directly or through inanimate objects such as clothes, toys or food and drinks.
Clinical presentation
Some patients with pinworm infection do not have any symptoms. However most patients experience itching in the anal area. This may cause difficulty in falling asleep, which eventually gives makes the patient irritable and restless. He/she may experience abdominal pain, nausea etc.
Rarely females may experience a severe form of infection affecting the vagina (vaginitis) and the uterus (endometritis).
Investigations
A diagnosis of pinworm infection is made on the basis of identification of the worms or their eggs under the microscope.
The patient is advised to press the adhesive side of a piece of transparent tape to the skin around the anus, so that the eggs stick to the tape. The tape is then examined by the doctor under a microscope.
Treatment
Patients with a mild infection need not necessarily be treated. Anti-parasite medication is prescribed to treat the infection. It is recommended that the entire family be treated together, in order to avoid re-infection.