Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)

Pinworm infection (enterobiasis) commonly is asymptomatic but may cause pruritus ani and, rarely, pruritus vulvae. Pruritus ani can be severe enough to cause sleep disturbance. Bacterial superinfections can result from scratching and excoriation of the irritated area. Pinworms have been found in the lumen of the appendix, and in some cases, these intraluminal parasites have been associated with signs of acute appendicitis, but they have also been observed in histologically normal appendices removed for incidental reasons. Urethritis, vaginitis, salpingitis, or pelvic peritonitis may occur from aberrant migration of an adult worm from the perineum. Eosinophilic enterocolitis has been reported, although...