What is a worm infection?
The pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, lives in the intestine. The pinworm itself does not cause damage there; in fact, most children are infected with pinworms at some point. An infection may be noticed because small worms can be seen in the stool, although this is not always the case. The symptom caused by the pinworm is itching around the anus. This itching occurs when the worms lay eggs around the anus. Many people in the Netherlands are familiar with Enterobius, because approximately 14% of all children have been infected at some point.
Symptoms of worm infection / pinworms
An infection with pinworms can be accompanied by itching of the skin. Restless sleep can also be a symptom caused by the pinworm. The main symptom, however, is itching around the anus, because the small worms, which is why they are also called pinworms, crawl to the anus at night to lay their eggs there. This causes a tickling sensation, which often leads to scratching. The eggs then end up under the fingernails and in the bedding and underwear.
Sometimes the small worms can be seen in the stool. If this is not the case, you can request a test. We analyze a sample with a qPCR test, a reliable method for detecting material from the pinworm. qPCR can detect quantities of parasites, allowing an infection to be identified. The sample is sent to the laboratory, where the diagnosis is made.
We recommend the following tests:
Treatment of worm infection
An infection with worms / pinworms can be treated with Vermox (mebendazole). In many cases, however, the symptoms will disappear on their own. This does not mean that you cannot become infected again.
About Darmklachten.nl
Darmklachten.nl is an initiative of MGlab&Advies, a laboratory specializing in stool testing. …read more
