Description

Parasites can be present in the intestine. The word parasite is derived from Greek: para = beside and sitos = food. It literally means a person who sits down at another person’s table and eats along. The term is used for people who take advantage of others for their own benefit. Parasites can be single-celled organisms or multicellular worms. A parasite infection can go unnoticed, but it can also cause symptoms.

In the Netherlands, infection with pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) occurs mainly in children. Other worms that may be found include whipworm (Trichuris), roundworm (Ascaris) and hookworm (Ankylostoma). These are very rare. Worm infections are mainly acquired abroad. In the Netherlands, 10 to 14% of children are infected with pinworm, a small white worm. Young children may come into contact with dog and cat faeces in sandpits, parks, playgrounds and garden soil and become infected with a roundworm (Toxocara canis or Toxycara cati). Some people see threads or small white balls resembling grains of rice and would like to know whether these are parasites. DNA technology (qPCR) can be used to determine from the stool whether an infection is present.

Indications/symptoms

Most infections are caused by pinworm. The main symptom of this worm is itching around the anus.