Cause:Enterobius vermicularis
Female lives in colon and lays eggs in perianal region; there reinfected to same host or others by scratching; no tissue penetration
30% of US population under age 20 yr gets it, all social classes
Vaginitis can lead to migration into peritoneal cavity where granulomas form; rarely appendicitis
Lab:Bact:Scotch tape to perianal area early in am, then paste on slide to examine under microscope to see characteristic eggs, flat on one side
Rx:Mebendazole (Vermox) 100 mg × 1, repeat in 2 wk (Nejm 1977;297:1437); or pyrantel 11 mg/kg (1 gm max) × 1, repeat in 2 wk; or albendazole; rx all family members at same time, even if asx since probably all have