[The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among Japanese expatriates living in developing countries]

Parasitic infections are widespread in developing countries. Enterobiasis, caused by the Enterobius vermicularis nematode, is probably the most common helminth infecting the humanrace. We studied fecal specimens from Japanese residents in developing countries to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection in this population. Individual specimens were collected using the cellophane tape method from Japanese residents in Asia, the Middle East, East Europe, Africa, and Central and South America in 2004. The specimens were examined in Japan. Subjects surveyed numbered 2247. The E. vermicularis infection rate was 0.62%. The most children infected with E. vermicularis ranged between 5 and 8 years of age. The prevalence of infection among Japanese children living in developing countries was 1.82%, higher than that in those living in Japan. Our results underscore the need to continue preventive measures such as health education to eradicate E. vermicularis infection in this group.