Enterobius vermicularis: A First Case Report from Saptari

Abstract

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the most prevalent intestinal helminths in schoolchildren. But the parasite was not reported so far from the area. We report the first case of the parasite, which produced symptoms of gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain and perineal irritation, as well as mental distress in a 5-year-old child. The sample was collected by using adhesive cellophane tape from the perineal area on a glass slide while considering proper established laboratory methods and precautions. Microscopical examination of the specimen revealed flattened on one end and slightly curved on the other ends, thin, smooth, and transparent eggs of E. vermicularis with female adult worm. The ova are ingested through the oro-fecal route, the larvae hatch, and mature female worms migrate to the perianal region where they lay eggs. Sometimes, it may also migrate from the anus to the female genital tract. The infections are asymptomatic, but common symptoms are abdominal pain, perineal region itching, irritability, and debilitating sleep disturbance, although, of low pathogenicity, complications such as infertility or peritonitis may develop. It is a common auto-infectious parasite. The ova of the pinworm are rarely seen in the stool of routine microscopic examination. Therefore, the easy and effective method is "scotch-tape/adhesive cellophane tape," and the test is performed for routine examination. The case report is very useful for health professionals for reporting, diagnosis, and treatment of infections.