Summary about Disease
Threadworm infection, also known as pinworm infection or enterobiasis, is a common human parasitic disease caused by the threadworm Enterobius vermicularis. It's characterized by intense anal itching, particularly at night, and is most prevalent in school-aged children. The infection is easily spread through fecal-oral contamination.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is intense itching around the anus. Other symptoms may include:
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability
Restlessness
Rarely, abdominal pain
Rarely, vaginal itching (in females) Many people, especially with light infections, may have no symptoms.
Causes
Threadworm infection is caused by ingesting threadworm eggs. This usually happens through:
Fecal-oral route: Eggs are deposited around the anus, causing itching. Scratching the area transfers eggs to the fingers. Subsequently, the eggs are transferred to surfaces, food, or other people.
Contaminated surfaces: Eggs can survive on surfaces like bedding, clothing, and toys for up to two weeks. Touching these surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth can lead to infection.
Inhaling airborne eggs: Although less common, eggs can become airborne and inhaled.
Medicine Used
Common medications used to treat threadworm infections include:
Mebendazole: A single dose is usually effective, with a second dose recommended two weeks later to kill any newly hatched worms.
Pyrantel pamoate: Available over-the-counter in some countries. Requires a second dose two weeks after the first.
Albendazole: Also effective, usually prescribed as a single dose, repeated after two weeks. It's important to treat all members of the household to prevent re-infection, even if they don't have symptoms. Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
Is Communicable
Yes, threadworm infection is highly communicable. It spreads easily from person to person through the fecal-oral route.
Precautions
Preventing threadworm infection involves strict hygiene practices:
Frequent handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
Keep fingernails short and clean: This prevents eggs from accumulating under the nails.
Avoid scratching: Teach children not to scratch the anal area.
Wash bedding and clothing frequently: Wash bed linens, towels, and underwear in hot water and dry them on high heat.
Shower or bathe daily: This helps remove eggs from the skin.
Clean surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces that may be contaminated with eggs.
Change underwear daily: To remove any eggs that may have been deposited overnight.
How long does an outbreak last?
Without treatment, a threadworm infection can persist for weeks, months, or even years due to continuous re-infection. With proper treatment (medication and hygiene), the infection can be cleared within a few weeks. However, re-infection is common if hygiene practices are not maintained.
How is it diagnosed?
Threadworm infection is typically diagnosed by:
Visual inspection: Sometimes, adult worms can be seen around the anal area, especially at night.
Tape test: A piece of clear adhesive tape is pressed against the skin around the anus, preferably in the morning before bathing or using the toilet. The tape is then placed on a microscope slide and examined for threadworm eggs. This test should be performed on several consecutive mornings for best results. A doctor can perform or instruct you on how to perform this test.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial infection: Often asymptomatic.
Several weeks/months: Itching around the anus, primarily at night, begins. This is when the female worms migrate to the anus to lay eggs.
Continued infection: If left untreated, symptoms persist, and the cycle of itching, scratching, and re-infection continues. Secondary symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and irritability, may develop.
Important Considerations
Treat the entire household: Since threadworm infections are easily spread, treating all family members, even those without symptoms, is crucial.
Re-infection is common: Emphasize the importance of strict hygiene practices to prevent re-infection.
Consult a doctor: If you suspect a threadworm infection, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Don't self-treat, especially in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Consider underlying causes: If re-infections are frequent, evaluate if other factors are contributing, such as nail-biting habits.