Epidemiology and Risk Assessment of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections

Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm, is among the most widespread human helminth infections, with peak prevalence in children aged 2–12 years. Transmission occurs via ingestion or inhalation of infective eggs, often disseminated through contaminated hands, household items or bedding. Prevalence varies widely by region, ranging from under 1 percent in well-resourced urban settings to over 50 percent in areas with limited sanitation. Risk assessment has focused on demographic and behavioural determinants, including young age, male sex, overcrowding, presence of siblings, inadequate hand hygiene and low parental education. Regular mass screening using perianal tape swabs and targeted treatment campaigns have led to significant declines in many communities, yet pockets of persistent transmission remain, particularly in rural or resource-limited areas. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics and antigen characterisation promise improved sensitivity and specificity of detection, while mathematical modelling of transmission dynamics is refining risk stratification and informing tailored intervention strategies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A study has characterised surface and immunogenic proteins of E. vermicularis eggs, identifying prominent antigen bands ranging from 21 kDa to 151 kDa using immunoblotting and surface immunofluorescence. These findings establish a foundation for the development of immunodiagnostic assays aimed at more rapid and non-invasive detection. Experimental work in animal models confirmed the antigenic reactivity of egg extracts, suggesting potential for high-throughput serological screening in endemic settings.

Epidemiology and Risk Assessment of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in epidemiology and risk assessment of enterobius vermicularis infections across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Perianal tape swab method: A diagnostic technique using adhesive tape applied to perianal skin to collect eggs for microscopic examination.

Nested‐PCR: A two-step polymerase chain reaction that enhances detection sensitivity by using two sets of primers in successive amplifications.

Sensitivity: The proportion of true positive cases correctly identified by a diagnostic test.

Specificity: The proportion of true negative cases correctly identified by a diagnostic test.

References

1. Characterization of antigens of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) eggs. Scientific Reports (2022).
2. Is pinworm infection still a public health concern among children in resource-rich regions? Trends in pinworm infection prevalence and associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health (2022).
3. Enterobius vermicularis infection: prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in kindergarten in the capital area, Republic of the Marshall Islands. BMC Infectious Diseases (2019).