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Nematodes - enterobiasis

Introduction, etiology

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Infection is transmitted by eggs or larvae, which begin their cycle of development within the human host when, depending on the species, they either actively penetrate intact skin or are ingested or, very rarely, inhaled. The larvae of the most widely prevalent species remain dormant but potentially infective for long periods in contaminated soil; the larvae or cysts of other species are ingested when the flesh of reservoir hosts is eaten either raw or undercooked.

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm or threadworm) occurs world-wide. Unlike other pathogenic helminths, it is highly prevalent in temperature zones and developed countries. Enterobiasis is almost exclusively an infection of humans and it occurs most commonly in children.

Recommended treatments

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mebendazole
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chewable tablet, 100 mg, 500 mg

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Adults and children over 2 years:
A single dose of 100 mg, repeated at least once after an interval of 2 to 4 weeks. It is advisable to treat all members of the household concurrently.
or
albendazole
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chewable tablet, 400 mg

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Adults and children over 2 years:
A single dose of 400 mg
or
pyrantel
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chewable tablet 250 mg (as embonate)
oral suspension, 50 mg (as embonate)/ml

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Adults and children:
A single dose of 10 mg/kg, and a second dose after 2-4 weeks and all members of the household should be treated concurrently.
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References
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WHO Model Prescribing Information. Drugs used in parasitic diseases second edition, 1995. 146 pages [E, F, S] ISBN 92 4 140104 4 Sw.fr. 35.-/US $31.50. In developing countries Sw.fr.24.50.
  Sales Information: http://www.who.int/bookorders/index.htm
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Intestinal nematodes: WHO link page
   http://www.who.int/health-topics/intestinal.htm
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Report of the WHO Informal Consultation on the use of praziquantel during pregnancy/lactation and albendazole/mebendazole in children under 24 months, Geneva, 8-9 April, 2002, WHO/CDS/CPE/PVC/2002.4
   http://www.who.int/wormcontrol/documents/en/pvc_20024full.pdf
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Benzimidazoles: use in children, Essential Medicines, WHO Drug Information, Vol 17, No. 1, 2003
   http://www.who.int/druginformation/vol17num1_2003/vol17-1.pdf

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