A Family Doctor's Tale - THREADWORMS

DOC I HAVE THREADWORMS


Thread worms are parasitic worms (also called pin worms) which are found in the intestines of children in undeveloped countries.

It is rare in developed countries because of the modern sanitary conditions and better hygiene.

Several members of the same household may be infested at the same time so all the family should be treated together.

The cause of Threadworms infection is:
Threadworms eggs or larva are present on the hands or food prepared by people who has threadworms infestations.

When the eggs or larvae are swallowed  they developed into adult worms in the intestines.

The adult worms will cling on to the mucosal lining of the intestine and absorb nutrients from the food taken into the intestines by the affected person.


The female worms emerge from the rectum at night to lay their eggs on the skin around the anus.

The main symptoms of Thread worms are
1. Itch in the anal region especially at night when the worms lay the eggs.

2. Itch in the vulva in girls

3. inflammation of the anus as a result of constant scratching.

4.Rarely tiny white worms can be seen wriggling in the feces.

Doctors generally diagnose Thread worms based on:

1.sticky tape pressed to the anal area in the morning before the patient bathes or go to the toilet will collect the eggs for microscopic examination and confirmation of the presence of thread worms

2.Stool examination and culture

Treatment of thread worm infestation is by the use of anti-parasitic medicine:
1.Zentel or Abendazole 400mg in a single dose

2.Pyrantel pamoate 10mg/kg in a single dose

3.Mebendazole 100mg in a single dose

A single dose will usually cure the patient of thread worms but to prevent re-infection a second dosage is taken 2 weeks later.

All the family members should also be treated.

Prevention of thread worms is through:
1.good personal hygiene and hand washing

2. good food hygiene

Prognosis of thread worms treatment is excellent.