Scraping on pinworm eggs (enterobiosis)

Why this test?

To detect helminthiasis.

In what cases is it prescribed?

• In the presence of clinical manifestations, more often with itching in the perianal area.
• When enterobiosis is detected in a contact person.
• During various medical examinations (during hospitalization, dispensation, drawing up a medical book, etc.)

 Test information

Enterobiosis is a helminthiasis caused by pinworms. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases in children. The infection is widespread throughout the world, including in developed countries, according to approximate estimates, the infection rate of children is 4-28%. The causative agent of the disease is a white worm, 0.5-1 cm long, which lives in the cecum and appendix of the human body. It feeds mainly on the contents of the intestines.

The main clinical symptom - itching in the perianal area occurs when pinworms lay eggs on the skin during sleep (from 5,000 to 15,000 eggs) and then die. It is spread mainly by the fecal-oral route, for example, eggs can get under a person's nails when combing, and then get on household items and personal hygiene items. In the transmission of the pathogen, the main problem is hand hygiene, therefore, enterobiosis is more common in children, especially in places of mass gathering (kindergartens, schools).

The high prevalence of enterobiosis can be explained by the mild clinical course of the disease, which most often manifests itself in perianal itching. In addition, such symptoms as restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, irritability may be present. With a severe and prolonged course, disorders of the mental development of children may be noted. In rare cases, ectopic enterobiosis can develop, for example, in the kidneys or fallopian tubes, which can lead to serious consequences. Diagnosis is carried out by scraping from the perianal area (using adhesive tape) followed by microscopy. In the treatment of enterobiosis, a special role should be given to measures of a hygienic nature: hand washing, nail clipping, frequent changing, washing and ironing of linen. To prevent the spread of eggs, zinc ointment is applied locally - to the perianal area. Medical treatment consists in taking anthelmintic drugs (contact persons also undergo a course of treatment).