Enterobius Vermicularis Infection of the urinary bladder, kidney and urinary tract organs: Review and Update
Authors: Kodzo-Grey Venyo Anthony 
Published: August 2024

Enterobius Vermicularis infection which is also called Pinworm infection or threadworm infection, and as well is referred to as enterobiasis, is a human parasitic disease that is caused by pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis. The most common manifesting symptom is itching or pruritus within the peri-anal region. The period of time from swallowing of the Pinworm eggs to the appearance of new eggs around the anus is stated to be between 4 weeks and 8 weeks. It has been pointed out that some individuals who are infected by Pinworm have tended to be asymptomatic. Enterobius Vermicularis is stated to spread between people by pinworm eggs. The pinworm eggs initially tend to be found around the anal region and they could survive for up to three weeks within the environment. Pinworms may be swallowed following contamination of the hands, food, or other articles. It had been pointed out that individuals who are at risk for the development of Pinworm infections are those who go to school, dwell within in a health care institution or prison, or who take care of individuals who are infected by pinworm. It has been iterated that another animal does not spread the Pinworm disease. It has been iterated that diagnosis of pinworm infection is established is by visualisation of the worms which are about one centimetre long or the eggs under a microscope. It has been iterated that treatment of pinworm infection is typically with utilisation of two doses of the medicaments including: mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate or albendazole two weeks apart. It has been recommended that every individual who dwells with or takes care of a pinworm infected person should be treated contemporaneously. Washing personal items in hot water pursuant to receiving each dose of medication has been recommended. Good hand-washing, daily bathing in the morning, and daily changing of underwear has been stated to help with regard to the prevention of pinworm reinfection. It has been iterated that pinworm infections commonly occur in all parts of the world and that pinworm infections are the most common type of worm infection within Western Europe, Northern Europe and within the United States of America. It has been documented that School-aged children are most commonly infected by Pinworms. It has been iterated that within the United States of America about 20% of children would develop pinworm at some point. It has also been documented that pinworm infection rates among high-risk groups might be as high as 50%. It has been pointed out that pinworm infection is not considered a serious disease and that pinworms are understood to have afflicted humans throughout history. The important thing to realise is that Pinworm infections could afflict the urinary bladder and organs of the urinary tract and unless clinicians have a high index of suspicion for pinworm infections of the urinary tract that had tended to be reported sporadically on rare occasions, the diagnosis could be delayed or missed. Pinworm infections of the urinary bladder and urinary tract could be asymptomatic or the manifestations tend to be non-specific including lower urinary tract voiding symptoms, abdominal discomfort or pain, loin discomfort or pain, non-visible haematuria, visible haematuria or spontaneous voiding out of worm-like material which the clinician confirms based upon visualisation of the worm or microscopy examination demonstrating features of the worm or finding of the worm in the process of cystoscopy or ureteroscopy examinations. Even though rare, clinicians need to be aware of the fact that Enterobius Vermicularis infection of the urinary bladder and urinary tract organs has tended to be reported on rare occasions.