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Enterobius vermicularis infection in a children's ward
R W Ashford1, C A Hart, R G Williams
1Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Pinworm infections were found in 55% of pediatric patients on an orthopedic ward, despite no staff infections. Most infected children shed their worm load within 32 hours of piperazine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Enterobius (pinworm) infections are common, particularly in children.
- Widespread asymptomatic pinworm infections can occur in institutional settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of pinworm infections in a pediatric orthopedic ward.
- To identify the species of Enterobius causing infections.
- To assess the efficacy of piperazine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Screening of all patients and staff for Enterobius ova and adult worms.
- Epidemiological investigation to rule out a ward outbreak.
- Treatment with piperazine and collection of fecal samples to assess worm shedding.
- Microscopic examination of adult worms to identify species.
Main Results:
- 55% (11 of 20) of pediatric patients were infected with Enterobius.
- No staff members were found to be infected.
- Infected children were shedding both Enterobius vermicularis and Enterobius gregorii.
- The majority of the worm load was shed within 32 hours of piperazine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic Enterobius infections were prevalent in this pediatric orthopedic ward.
- The rapid shedding of worms post-treatment suggests piperazine efficacy.
- The presence of two Enterobius species warrants further investigation into their transmission dynamics.