Pinworm

Natural Habitat

The human gastrointestinal tract, specifically the large intestine and rectum.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on intestinal content and bacteria within the human host.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal behavior: Gravid females migrate out through the anus at night to deposit thousands of eggs on the perianal skin. The life cycle is direct, transmitted via the fecal-oral route through ingestion of eggs.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense anal itching (pruritus ani), which can lead to secondary skin infections, irritability, and disturbed sleep. They offer no known benefits to the host.

Identified on: 2/20/2026