View source for Enterobius vermicularis

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Enterobius vermicularis''}}

== Background ==

* Small, thin, white [[Nematodes|nematode]]
** Adult females are 9 to 12 mm long, and adult males are 3 to 5 mm long
* Spread by fecal-oral route
* More common in preschool and school-aged children, institutionalized people, and household contacts of an index case

== Clinical Manifestations ==

* Pruritus ani, or itching around the anus
* Excoriations can become secondarily infected

== Diagnosis ==

* Stool microscopy may miss the eggs, since they are deposited outside the colon
* Diagnostic test of choice is the scotch tape test
** in the morning, before washing or pooping
** Press a piece of scotch tape about 2 x 10 cm against the anal and perianal regions several times
** Stick the tape onto a slide
** Microscopy can confirm the diagnosis
* Premade kits are available from labs and pharmacies

== Management ==

* Antihelminthics:
** [[Albendazole]] 200-400 mg p.o. once, repeated at 2 weeks
** [[Pyrantel pamoate]] 10 mg/kg (max 1 g) p.o. once, repeated at 2 weeks
** [[Mebendazole]] 100-200 mg p.o. once, repeated at 2 weeks
** Others:
*** [[Pyrvinium embonate]] 5 mg/kg (max 400 mg) p.o. once, repeated at 2 to 4 weeks
*** For urogenital infections only: [[ivermectin]] 200 mcg/kg p.o. once, repeated at 2 to 4 weeks
* For chronic infections, the doses may need to be repeated every 2 weeks for up to 4 months
* Non-pharmacologic management should include handwashing and frequent changing and washing of underwear, pajamas, and bedsheets in order to prevent reinfection or transmission to other household members

[[Category:Nematodes]]