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Pinworms, Pediatric

Terry Kind, MD, MPH and Hope E. Rhodes, MD, MPH, FAAP Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Infection by a small, white nematode (roundworm), typically Enterobius vermicularis

  • Pinworms may also be caused by Enterobius gregorii in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Consider...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Prior pinworms or sibling with pinworms

    • Eggs can survive for several days in the environment, and the incubation period can be 1 to 2 months.

    • Spread can occur between family members.

  • Day...

TREATMENT

  • Reinfection is common especially if not all close contacts are treated.

  • Treat all symptomatic contacts, and consider treating close household contacts, especially if repeated infections have ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Watch for signs of reinfection. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Pinworms infection (Enterobius vermicularis). In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectiou...

CODES

ICD9

127.4 Enterobiasis 

ICD10

B80 Enterobiasis 

SNOMED

266162007 Enterobiasis (disorder) 

FAQ

  • Q: Could the child have acquired pinworms from a pet dog or cat?

  • A: No. Household pets are not involved in the life cycles of pinworms.

  • Q: When can an infected child return to day care?

  • A: After rece...

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