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Pinworms are parasites about the length of a staple that live in the rectum. They are the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworms get inside the body when you swallow their eggs. While you sleep, the female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit eggs on nearby skin. This can cause intense anal itching. Complications from pinworms are rare.
People get pinworm infections from one another. School-age children and preschoolers are most likely to get pinworms. You do not get them from pets. If you have a mild case, you may not need treatment. If you do need treatment, you and members of your family usually take medicine, since pinworms are spread so easily.
The '''pinworm''' (Genus '''''Enterobius''''') is a parasitic roundworm of the phylum Nematoda. The best known is the human pinworm, also known as the '''threadworm''' ''Enterobius vermicularis''. It is found worldwide and causes the common infection enterobiasis in humans. The adult pinworm male is 1–4 mm in length, while the adult female is 8–13 mm and possess the long, pin-shaped posterior end for which the worm is named. The pinworm lives in the lower part of the small intestine, and the upper part of the colon (anatomy). After mating the male dies. The female migrates to the anus, and emerges (usually during the night) to deposit 10000 to 20000 eggs in the perianal area (around the anus). It secretes a substance that causes a very strong itching sensation, inciting the host to scratch himself and thus involuntatrily to pick up the eggs with the fingers. Once ingested orally, the larvae hatch and grow to maturity in 30-45 days. The pinworm does not enter the blood or any other organs besides the intestines. Except for the itching, it does not usually cause any damage to the body. [ Read More ]
Enterobius vermicularis - Pinworms - Includes pinworm life cycle, signs and symptoms, photographs and drawings of the parasite, and detection procedures.
Centers for Disease Control - Pinworm Fact Sheet - Includes symptoms and prevention.
HealthCentral - Pinworm - Features cause, treatment, prevention, complications, and diagnosis.
Pinworms and Your Child - American Academy of Family Physicians patient information handout with information on treatment, symptoms, and prevention.
Kidshealth: Pinworm - Factsheet with cause, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
eMedicine - Pinworm : Article by Sun Huh, MD, PhD - Article by Sun Huh, MD, PhD.
MedlinePlus: Pinworms - Directory of factsheets, news, and articles.
eMedicine Health - Pinworms - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pinworms.
Ask the Mayo Physician - Pinworm transmission - [CNN]