Pinworms (Enterobiasis) | Infection, Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Pinworms (Enterobiasis) | Infection, Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) can cause infection in humans, leading to a condition known as enterobiasis. Pinworm infections are extremely common, especially in very young children, or in adults who have very young children. Enterobiasis is also very common in institutional settings, where overcrowding and poor hygiene are factors. Pinworms can cause characteristic signs and symptoms, including anal itching, particularly at night. In this lesson, we discuss how Pinworms are transmitted, why they cause particular signs and symptoms, how they are diagnosed and how they are treated.