Pinworm
Scientific Name: Enterobius vermicularis
Order & Family: Order: Oxyurida, Family: Oxyuridae
Size: Females: 8–13 mm; Males: 2–5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
The human large intestine; eggs are often found on skin in the perianal area, clothing, or bedding.
Diet & Feeding
Intestinal contents and cellular debris within the human host.
Behavior Patterns
Gravid females migrate to the anus at night to deposit eggs on the skin, causing itching. This leads to the 'itch-scratch-cycle' which facilitates transmission.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense anal itching, irritability, and sleeplessness. Highly contagious within households. Benefit: None to humans; it is a parasitic organism.
Identified on: 3/5/2026