Investigation of the Prevalence of Enterobius Vermicularis Infection and Risk Factors among Kindergartens in Hamadan, West of Iran, in 2019

Abstract

Background and Objective: Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common intestinal nematodes in the world and is found in all developed and developing communities. Children are the most vulnerable group in this regard. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection amongst kindergartens in Hamadan, Iran, in 2019. Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 active kindergartens in Hamadan, Iran. A total of 18 kindergartens were selected, followed by the random selection of a number of children from each kindergarten. The adhesive cello-tape is a standard method for examining this disease, and mothers were trained to use this method. Subsequently, the sampling was conducted by this method. Results: Out of 451 children from 18 kindergartens, the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was obtained at 0.4% (n=2). The mean age of the children in this study was 5.45±0.93 years. Since the prevalence of the disease was not significant, the results were not analyzed. Conclusion:The results of this study show that the prevalence of this disease has decreased over a decade in Hamadan, Iran; however, this infection still exists. Therefore, specific measures should be taken to control the transmission cycle of E. vermicularis.

Vulvovaginitis due to Enterobius vermicularis in a girl and epidemic enterobiasis in her family

“…enterobiasis is a widely recognized form of parasitic infection that affects children 18 with a prevalence about 17.2% in Iran. 19 , 20 …”

Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Enterobius vermicularis , a species of parasitic worms belonging to the Oxyurida order, is responsible for causing enterobiasis ( Fallah et al, 2022 ). These worms primarily inhabit the colon and migrate towards the anus, where they release approximately 10,000 eggs, facilitating the transmission of infectious eggs to other individuals, including self-reinfection, due to eggs' adhesive properties that cause irritation and itching in the anal region ( Fallah et al, 2022 ; Fouladvand et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Enterobius vermicularis eggs can lead to infection through direct, indirect, and retro-infection transmission methods ( Fallah et al, 2022 ; Haghi, 2013 ). In direct transmission, the eggs are transferred to food, drinks, or the mouth via contaminated hands, eventually reaching the ileocecal area and causing disease.…”

“…In direct transmission, the eggs are transferred to food, drinks, or the mouth via contaminated hands, eventually reaching the ileocecal area and causing disease. However, their presence has been observed throughout the digestive tract, from the stomach to the anus ( Fallah et al, 2022 ; Fouladvand et al, 2018 ; Haghi, 2013 ). The eggs are resistant to stomach acids and relatively resistant.…”

“…The eggs are resistant to stomach acids and relatively resistant. To become infective, they require a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius for 4–7 h, while temperatures below 22 degrees Celsius induce dormancy ( Fallah et al, 2022 ; Fouladvand et al, 2018 ; Haghi, 2013 ). Enterobius vermicularis infection manifests as anal itching, which can lead to sleep disturbances, restlessness, itching in the anal or vaginal area, irritability, teeth grinding, occasional stomach pain, and nausea ( Fallah et al, 2022 ; Fouladvand et al, 2018 ; Haghi, 2013 ).…”