Diagnosis of enterobiosis
Anal itching serves as a guide to the diagnosis of pinworm infestation (enterobiosis or oxyuriasis). Thereupon a so-called adhesive tape preparation is made from the anus. A kind of adhesive tape is stuck on the anus and removed again to provide evidence of worm eggs.
This tape is then examined under a microscope to visualize the eggs. This is considered a reliable proof for the diagnosis of pinworm infestation. Instead of the adhesive strip, a stool sample is often used to detect the eggs or the worms themselves. Furthermore, eosinophilia, an increase in certain white blood cells that react specifically to parasites, is often found in the blood. An increase in IgE antibodies can also indicate an infection with parasites.
Why do they enjoy performing with children?
Children do not yet have a particularly pronounced hygiene behaviour. Washing their hands after going to the toilet is often forgotten or even unwelcome, hands often end up in the mouth, itching is simply given way and scratched, even if the itchy spot is on the bottom. Especially treacherous is the nightly itching at the anus, where scratching is done unconsciously during sleep and thus the eggs are absorbed.
It is also easier to spread in kindergartens and day-care centers because not every child can be checked for hand washing after going to the toilet. They play together, touch the same toys and the worms spread unhindered. The children bring the worms home with them, where the family can also get infected.
How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period is quite long, five to six weeks, which corresponds to the development of sexually mature worms from the laid eggs. Pinworms have several larval stages, which they pass through after hatching. Usually the infection occurs with the eggs, the worms then develop during their passage through the digestive system and remain in the intestine where they mate. The first symptoms (usually itching) are caused by the laying of the eggs on the anus.
