Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among schoolchildren attending four selected schools in the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Enterobiasis is one of the commonest human parasitic infections in the world. Diagnosis of enterobiasis is by demonstration of eggs or adult worms by sampling the perianal and perineal skin using adhesive cellulose tape (scotch tape). This study determined the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infection among 483 schoolchildren attending four selected schools in the Hambantota district. The prevalence of infection was 6.2% (n=30). Since pinworm infection is a family infection, the implications are that at least 30 families are infected. Further studies are needed to understand the prevalence, distribution and the physical and psychological impact of pinworm infection in the population.