The eggs are hardy and can remain infectious in a moist environment for up to three weeks, though in a warm dry environment they usually last only 1–2 days. Pinworm infection spreads through human-to-human transmission, by swallowing infectious pinworm eggs. The entire lifecycle – from egg to adult – takes place in the human gastrointestinal tract of a single human host. The cause of a pinworm infection is the worm Enterobius vermicularis. The relationship between pinworm infestation and appendicitis has been researched, but there is a lack of clear consensus on the matter: While Gutiérrez maintains that there exists a consensus that pinworms do not produce the inflammatory reaction, Cook (1994) states that it is controversial whether pinworms are causatively related to acute appendicitis, and Burkhart & Burkhart (2004) state that pinworm infection causes symptoms of appendicitis to surface. Painful urination has been associated with pinworm infection. One report indicated that 36% of young girls with a urinary tract infection also had pinworms. According to Gutierrez (2000), a statistically significant correlation between pinworm infection and urinary tract infections has been shown however, Burkhart & Burkhart (2005) maintain that the incidence of pinworms as a cause of urinary tract infections remains unknown. The pinworms can also enter the urethra, and presumably, they carry intestinal bacteria with them. This causes vaginal discharge and itchiness of the vulva. This can cause inflammation of the vulva and vagina. However, they may move onto the vulva and into the vagina, from there moving to the external orifice of the uterus, and onwards to the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and peritoneal cavity. Pinworms cannot damage the skin, and they do not normally migrate through tissues. A considerable proportion of children experience loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, emotional instability, and bed wetting. General symptoms are trouble sleeping, and restlessness.

The itching leads to continuously scratching the area around the anus, which can further result in tearing of the skin and complications such as secondary bacterial infections, including bacterial skin inflammation, and hair follicle inflammation. The intensity of the itching varies, and it can be described as tickling, crawling sensations, or even acute pain. Both the migrating females and the clumps of eggs are irritating, as well as the sticky substance that is produced by the worms when the eggs are laid. The itching occurs mainly during the night, and is caused by the female pinworms migrating to lay eggs around the anus. The main symptoms are itching in and around the anus and perineum. One-third of individuals with pinworm infection are totally asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms Two female pinworms next to a ruler. Pinworms are believed to have affected humans throughout history. Infection rates among high-risk groups may be as high as 50%. In the United States about 20% of children will develop pinworm at some point. School-aged children are the most commonly infected. They are the most common type of worm infection in Western Europe, Northern Europe and the United States. Pinworm infections commonly occur in all parts of the world. Good handwashing, daily bathing in the morning, and daily changing of underwear can help prevent reinfection. Washing personal items in hot water after each dose of medication is recommended. Everyone who lives with or takes care of an infected person should be treated at the same time. Treatment is typically with two doses of the medications mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole two weeks apart. Diagnosis is by seeing the worms which are about one centimetre long or the eggs under a microscope.

Those at risk are those who go to school, live in a health care institution or prison, or take care of people who are infected. They may be swallowed following contamination of the hands, food, or other articles. The eggs initially occur around the anus and can survive for up to three weeks in the environment. The disease is spread between people by pinworm eggs. Some people who are infected do not have symptoms. The period of time from swallowing eggs to the appearance of new eggs around the anus is 4 to 8 weeks. The most common symptom is itching in the anal area. Pinworm infection ( threadworm infection in the UK), also known as enterobiasis, is a human parasitic disease caused by the pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis. Mebendazole, Flubendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole Handwashing, daily bathing in the morning, daily changing of underwear

Pin worms in poop