J Korean Acad Fam Med.  1997 Apr;18(4):405-410.

Present status of Enterobius vermicularis infestation among children in kindergartens

• Kim JS
• Yoon CH
• Kim BE
• Lee HC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An Epidemiological study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of E. vermicularis infestation among children in kindergartens.
METHODS
A total of 247 cellotape anal swab specimens from kindergarten children in Inchon were examined for E. vermicularis eggs. Each specimen was collected in the morning.
RESULTS
Out of 247 specimens from two kindergartens in Inchon, E. vermicularis eggs were detected in 168 specimens, the egg detection rate being 68.0%. The egg detection rates in boys and girls were 63.9% out of 133 children and 72.8% out of 114 children, respectively. The egg detection rate in girls was higher than that of boys. The egg detection rates by age group was 65.5%(age 3), S7.4%(age 4), 72.0%(age 5) and 75.4%(age 6), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Enterobiasis is a cosmopolitan infection. Surveys for children of kindergartens indicate that E.vermicularis is probably the most widely distributed human helminth, its incidence varing from 59.2% to 73.8% in groups studied since pinworm infection is frequently a familial problem that infestation of the household frequently results in reinfection. Careful washing of hands and cleansing of fingernails before meals and after use of the toilet are the most practical measures, all member of family should be treated simultaneously when practicable.

MeSH Terms

Child*
Eggs
Enterobiasis
Enterobius*
Epidemiologic Studies
Family Characteristics
Female
Hand
Helminths
Humans
Incheon
Incidence
Meals
Nails
Ovum
Prevalence