Comparison of Egg Positive Rates ofEnterobius vermicularisamong Preschool Children in Three Korean Localities

Abstract

This survey was performed to investigate and compare egg positive rates (EPRs) of Enterobius vermicularis among preschool children in 3 Korean localities (Chuncheon-si, Inje-gun, and Paju-si) in 2008. A total of 7,048 preschool children were examined. Overall, the total EPR was 4.0%; the EPR was the highest in Chuncheon-si (5.6%), followed by Inje-gun (4.5%) and Paju-si (3.4%). The EPR of boys (4.9%) was higher than that of girls (3.1%). The EPR significantly increased with age, with the highest observed in 5~7-year-olds. These findings demonstrate that E. vermicularis infection is widely prevalent among preschool children in Chuncheon-si, Inje-gun, and Paju-si, Republic of Korea.

Prevalence ofEnterobius vermicularisamong preschool children in 2003 and 2013 in Xinxiang city, Henan province, Central China

“…Five to 6-year-old children might have more frequent contact in kindergartens than children 2–4 years of age. The egg positive rate for E. vermicularis was also found to significantly increase with age, as previously reported [ 6 , 7 ]. With regard to gender, no significant statistical difference was observed between boys and girls, which was consistent with other reports [ 12 , 15 , 18 ].…”

Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children: A 12-Year (2008-2019) Survey in Large Cities and Provinces of the Republic of Korea

“…E. vermicularis infection occurs by ingesting the eggs of infectious stage through contact with contaminated objects or air transmission [ 1 , 3 ]. Enterobiasis is generally asymptomatic but can cause anal pruritus, discomfort, insomnia, or anxiety especially in young children [ 4 ]. Although it is not considered a serious illness, it can sometimes cause serious morbidity such as appendicitis and perianal dermatitis [ 2 ].…”

“…In the Republic of Korea (= Korea), surveys of E. vermicularis infection have been continuously conducted, and it has been shown that its prevalence is decreasing gradually over time [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. However, most of the previous surveys were conducted under limited conditions, i.e., in local regions and targeting specific group during a short period of time [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

“…In the Republic of Korea (= Korea), surveys of E. vermicularis infection have been continuously conducted, and it has been shown that its prevalence is decreasing gradually over time [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. However, most of the previous surveys were conducted under limited conditions, i.e., in local regions and targeting specific group during a short period of time [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Thus, it is insufficient to understand the nationwide status of pinworm infection.…”

“…Enterobiasis is the most common human parasitic disease worldwide, including developed and developing countries [5,6,[27][28][29]. In Korea, the survey of the prevalence of E. vermicularis has been continuously performed in most cases targeting preschool and primary school children in various regions [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] (Table 2). According to the reports, the prevalence of E. vermicularis has been decreasing over time in Korea.…”