threadworms


threadworms

Intestinal parasitic worms which infect at least 20% of children at any one time. Enterobius vermicularis is a small, white worm about 1 cm long with a blunt head and a fine, hair-like, pointed tail. Eggs are laid on the skin around the child's anus and itching causes scratching and reinfection via the mouth. Threadworms can be removed with drugs such as mebendazole or piperazine, but all the members of the family must be treated. Also known as pinworms.

threadworms

see NEMATODES.