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Enterobius vermicularis and finger sucking in young Swedish children
P Herrström1, A Friström, A Karlsson
1Primary Care Centre Hertig Knut, Central Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
Insights
Many young children carry pinworms without symptoms. Finger sucking is strongly linked to pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection in Swedish children, suggesting this habit should be considered in treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infections are common in children.
- The association between pinworm infestation and behavioral habits like finger sucking is not fully understood.
- Previous studies may have underestimated the prevalence of asymptomatic pinworm carriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in young Swedish children.
- To investigate the association between finger sucking habits and pinworm infestation.
- To identify symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 172 children aged 4-10 years in Sweden.
- Data were collected via questionnaires on symptoms and finger sucking habits (including nail biting).
- Perianal tape tests were used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs.
Main Results:
- 21% of the children were identified as symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis.
- A statistically significant association (p = 0.01) was found between finger sucking and a positive tape-test result.
- The findings suggest a higher prevalence of asymptomatic pinworm carriers than previously recognized.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a notable prevalence of asymptomatic Enterobius vermicularis carriers among young children.
- Finger sucking behavior is strongly associated with pinworm infestation and should be considered in clinical management.
- Further attention to behavioral factors may improve treatment strategies for recurrent pinworm infections.
Objective:
To study the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis and its association with finger sucking in young Swedish children.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire for symptoms of infestation with Enterobius vermicularis, and the children's habit of finger sucking (including fingernail biting). Perianal tape-test for identification of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis.
Setting:
Primary care, day-care centres, and schools in a Swedish middle-sized town (approx. 80,000 inhabitants).
Participants:
172 children of both sexes, 4-10 years old.
Main Outcome Measures:
The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis and its association with finger sucking.
Results:
21% of the children were symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis, and finger sucking was strongly associated with a positive tape-test (p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
More children than previously known seemed to be symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis. Finger sucking should be considered when treating infested children and especially those with relapsing symptoms.