Pinworm

Natural Habitat

Human gastrointestinal tract, primarily the large intestine and rectum; eggs are often found on perianal skin and contaminated environmental surfaces.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on intestinal contents and mucosal cells within the human host.

Behavior Patterns

Nighttime migration of gravid females to the perianal area to lay thousands of eggs; eggs become infectious within hours and are spread via the fecal-oral route or inhalation of airborne eggs.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense perianal itching, disturbed sleep, and secondary bacterial infections from scratching. Benefit: None to humans; purely a parasite.

Identified on: 3/29/2026