enterobiasis /en′tirōbī″əsis/ [Gk, enteron + bios, life, osis, condition] , a parasitic infestation with Enterobius vermicularis, the common pinworm, causing a crawling sensation and pruritus. The nematodes infect the large intestine, and the females deposit eggs in the perianal area, causing pruritus and disturbed sleep. Reinfection commonly results from transfer of eggs to the mouth by contaminated fingers. Airborne transmission is possible because eggs remain viable for 2 weeks in contaminated clothing, bedding, or objects. Five hundred million cases are reported annually worldwide, and 50% of children will be infected at some point in their lives. Also called oxyuriasis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: To diagnose enterobiasis the sticky side of an adhesive cellophane tape swab is pressed against the perianal skin and then examined for eggs under a microscope. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Therapy for the whole family may be necessary. Effective anthelmintics include pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole, albendazole, and thiabendazole. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Personal hygiene, including handwashing, is the best preventive measure. The CDC recommends daily morning bathing and daily changing of underwear. Careful handling and frequent changing of underclothing, nightclothes, towels, and bedding can help reduce infection, reinfection, and environmental contamination with pinworm eggs. Items should be laundered in hot water, especially after each treatment of the infected person and after each usage of washcloths until infection is cleared.
