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Updated: May 12, 2026
10:05
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Pinworm infestation mimicking crohns' disease
Joel Johansson1, Simone Ignatova, Mattias Ekstedt
1Medical School at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 581 85 Linkoping, Sweden.
Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine
|April 5, 2013
Summary
A young man
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders causing chronic gut inflammation.
- Atypical presentations of common infections can mimic IBD, complicating diagnosis.
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms) are globally prevalent parasites with diverse clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of atypical presentation of pinworm infection.
- To highlight the importance of considering parasitic infections in IBD differentials.
- To emphasize the need for vigilance in diagnosing Enterobius vermicularis, even in developed nations.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young male patient presenting with diarrhea.
- Diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy.
- Parasitic treatment and follow-up colonoscopy.
Main Results:
- Initial colonoscopy revealed aphthous lesions suggestive of Crohn's disease.
- Biopsies identified Enterobius vermicularis eggs.
- Antiparasitic treatment resolved symptoms and normalized colonoscopy findings.
Conclusions:
- Enterobius vermicularis can present with symptoms mimicking IBD.
- Pinworm infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pinworms can lead to complete symptom resolution.
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