November 22, 2008

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Pinworms (cont.)

Pinworms Causes

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are extremely easy to catch from someone who is infected. The infection is spread by tiny eggs deposited around the anus by the worms. When someone with pinworms scratches this area, eggs lodge under the fingernails and can be spread to anything he or she touches. Eggs are also spread by dust, clothing, bedding, or toys. When someone else accidentally eats the eggs, they also become infected with pinworms. When the eggs hatch, new worms crawl back into the intestine to reinfect the same person.



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