Oxyurida infections, also known as enterobiasis or pinworm infection, are caused by the parasitic roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis (or Pinworm). This type of infection is most commonly found in school-aged children, but can affect people of all ages. The female pinworm lays its eggs in the folds of skin around the anus, typically at night, causing intense itching. The person then scratches the area, allowing the eggs to be transferred to their fingers and under fingernails, which can then be carried to other parts of the body, contaminated objects, or other people, leading to the spread of the infection. Symptoms include anal itching, restless sleep, and irritability. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying eggs in a sample taken from the affected area. Treatment usually involves oral medication to kill the worms, with repeat treatments often necessary to ensure all parasites are eliminated. Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and keeping fingernails short, can help prevent the spread of Oxyurida infections.
Oxyurida is an order of nematode worms, also known as pinworms or threadworms. The most well-known species in this group is Enterobius vermicularis, which is a common parasite in humans. Oxyurids are small, white, and thread-like in appearance, and they typically infect the gastrointestinal tract of their hosts.
Infection with Oxyurida occurs when individuals accidentally ingest the eggs of these worms, often through contaminated food or drink. Once inside the body, the larvae hatch from the eggs and migrate to the large intestine, where they mature into adult worms. Female adults then lay their eggs around the anus, typically at night, which can cause intense itching and discomfort.
Oxyurida infections are most commonly seen in children, but they can also occur in adults who have close contact with infected individuals or engage in poor hygiene practices. Treatment for Oxyurida infections typically involves the use of anti-parasitic medications to kill the worms and prevent their eggs from hatching. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding nail-biting, can also help prevent the spread of these parasites.