Enterobius vermicularis infection and its risk factors among pre-school children in Taipei, Taiwan

Emerging and Reemerging Parasitic Diseases in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Case Reports in 2001~2018

Emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases can cause significant economic burdens at national and global levels. However, governments often underestimate or ignore these diseases, especially in developed countries. This retrospective, case-oriented study analyzed parasitic diseases reported in Taiwan between 2001 and 2018. One hundred and thirty-two eligible clinical profiles of Taiwanese patients obtained from the NCBI, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and local journals according to age, sex, source of infection, symptoms, risk factors, and geographical regions were analyzed. The analysis results showed that the number/frequency of cases caused by nematodes (46.97%) or protozoa (37.88%) was significantly higher than that of trematodes (9.85%) or cestodes (5.30%) (p < 0.0001). Northern Taiwan (46.97%) had a significantly higher rate than Southern Taiwan (33.33%), Central Taiwan (8.33%), and Eastern Taiwan (5.30%) (p < 0.05). The 15-65 age group (68.94%) had a significantly higher rate than the 65-90 age group (22.73%) and the 0-15 age group (8.33%) (p < 0.0001). Males (70.46%) had a significantly higher number/frequency of cases than females (29.54%) (p < 0.0001). People who acquired the infection through the food/soil route (32.58%) or who had a low immune status (32.58%) had a higher rate than travel-related infections (15.15%) (p < 0.001). The present study showed that emerging/reemerging parasitic infections continue to be of great concern to the lives and health of Taiwanese citizens and, if ignored, will threaten the health of the Taiwanese people; therefore, the delineation of preventive measures by health authorities is urgently warranted.

Global prevalence of enterobiasis in young children over the past 20 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasitic infections are the most common diseases worldwide, and enterobiasis is a common parasitic infection in children. Various studies have reported on the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in different regions of the world. However, no study has gathered and analyzed this data systematically. Our systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis among children globally. Data were extracted from 4 available databases for studies published from January 2002 to April 2022. The quality of the included studies was scored based on the standard Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. A random-effect model was chosen to calculate the pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) according to the degree of heterogeneity in the included studies. Thus, 40 publications (42 data sets) that included 3,279 children with enterobiasis met all criteria and were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis showed that heterogeneity among the included studies was high (Q=4,399.35, I2=99.96%; df=41; p<0.001). The pooled global prevalence of enterobiasis among the studied children was 12.9% (95% CI, 8.2%-17.7%). Our systematic review and meta-analysis estimated that, for the past 20 years, 12.9% of children around the world have been infected with E. vermicularis.

Enterobius vermicularis Related Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

While the debate on the association between Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) and acute appendicitis has not been settled, a few case reports of this very rare encounter are beginning to come to light. E. vermicularis is one of the most common parasitic infections around the world, and acute appendicitis, on the other hand, is also a commonly encountered condition in general surgery. However, the association between these two conditions remains controversial. Here we present a case report of a young woman with appendicitis associated with E. vermicularis.

Is pinworm infection still a public health concern among children in resource-rich regions? Trends in pinworm infection prevalence and associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common intestinal parasitic infection in children. A gradual decrease in the prevalence of pinworm infection has been noted in resource-rich settings, such as Taiwan. However, the influence of sociodemographic factors on the temporal trend in pinworm infection rates in children under the current pinworm infection prevention policy in Taiwan is not well characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of pinworm infection prevalence and the associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan.

METHODOLOGY

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we included a total of 56,197 students (aged 6-10 years) in grades 1 and 4 in Hualien in 2009-2018. Children were screened for pinworm infection using adhesive cellophane perianal swabs in the routine student health examination. Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with pinworm infection. Associations between dependent and independent variables were measured by odds ratios. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess whether there were significant trends in different stratifications. Variables with P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 56,197 school-age children from grades 1 and 4 during 2009-2018 were included. Young age and male sex were risk factors for pinworm infection (P < 0.001). A negative correlation between body mass index and enterobiasis was observed, and decreased pinworm infection was noted during the study reference period. Children living in suburban and rural areas had higher odds of having a pinworm infection than those living in urban areas (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infection was observed among children in 2009-2018 (P < 0.001). However, there was no obvious change in the pinworm infection rate in rural areas during this period (P = 0.953), and it was higher than that in urban and suburban areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of pinworm infection gradually decreased from 2009 to 2018 among school-age children in Hualien. However, there was no declining trend in pinworm infection in rural areas. Young age, male sex, and rural residence were significantly associated with pinworm infection. Pinworm infection remains a major public health concern among children in rural areas of Hualien.

Prevalence and genetic analysis of Enterobius vermicularis in schoolchildren in lower northern Thailand

Enterobius vermicularis, a nematode parasite with a global distribution causes enterobiasis in schoolchildren and is considered a neglected parasite. An understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of enterobiasis is crucial for appropriate control measures. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. vermicularis in schoolchildren from lower northern Thailand, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. Using the scotch tape technique, 7.4% (188/2544) of schoolchildren from 21 primary schools were found positive for E. vermicularis eggs, which is a relatively low infection rate. Phylogenetic trees of partial COI sequences (397 bp) revealed similar topologies using maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) methods and identified E. vermicularis type A (105 sequences) and B (1 sequence). Haplotype network analysis of the COI sequences demonstrated a high haplotype diversity (H_d = 0.9028). In contrast, phylogenetic analysts of a 343 bp region of the ITS2 locus (52 sequences) revealed a monophyletic group. More sequence analyses of E. vermicularis from humans and other hosts in Thailand are necessary to better understand the genetic diversity of this parasite.

Nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections, and socio-environmental conditions in Mbyá-guaraní children: The current situation in communities in central Misiones, Argentina

OBJECTIVES

Our previous research in Mbyá-guaraní communities of central Misiones showed high levels of growth stunting and intestinal parasites in children, as well as associations between these variables and deficient sanitary conditions. New studies were necessary to update the present health status of the previously studied Mbyá populations after around two decades. Therefore, we evaluated the current nutritional status, intestinal parasites, and socio-environmental conditions among Mbyá-guaraní children from these communities.

METHODS

Body weight and height of 102 individuals (aged 2-14) were measured and nutritional status was estimated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Serial fecal samples and anal swabs were analyzed from 75 children (aged 1-14). Socio-environmental data were obtained from questionnaires.

RESULTS

The prevalence of undernutrition was 31.4% and excess of weight was 10.8%. The prevalence of stunting and of overweight reached 30.4% and 8.8%, respectively. About 85% of the children were infected with at least one of the 14 species identified, and around 44% had multiple parasite infections. The most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis and hookworms. Among undernourished children, 88.2% were parasitized by at least one of the potentially pathogenic species detected. Most of the families lived in overcrowded conditions in precarious houses, defecated in latrines, and consumed well water. A higher risk of parasitosis was associated with the source of drinking water.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the prevalence of undernutrition and intestinal parasites decreased compared with our previous studies, we still observed the coexistence of stunting, excess weight, and parasitic infections, in a context of socio-environmental vulnerability.

Retrospective analysis and time series forecasting with automated machine learning of ascariasis, enterobiasis and cystic echinococcosis in Romania

The epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases (NTD) is persistently underprioritized, despite NTD being widespread among the poorest populations and in the least developed countries on earth. This situation necessitates thorough and efficient public health intervention. Romania is at the brink of becoming a developed country. However, this South-Eastern European country appears to be a region that is susceptible to an underestimated burden of parasitic diseases despite recent public health reforms. Moreover, there is an evident lack of new epidemiologic data on NTD after Romania's accession to the European Union (EU) in 2007. Using the national ICD-10 dataset for hospitalized patients in Romania, we generated time series datasets for 2008-2018. The objective was to gain deep understanding of the epidemiological distribution of three selected and highly endemic parasitic diseases, namely, ascariasis, enterobiasis and cystic echinococcosis (CE), during this period and forecast their courses for the ensuing two years. Through descriptive and inferential analysis, we observed a decline in case numbers for all three NTD. Several distributional particularities at regional level emerged. Furthermore, we performed predictions using a novel automated time series (AutoTS) machine learning tool and could interestingly show a stable course for these parasitic NTD. Such predictions can help public health officials and medical organizations to implement targeted disease prevention and control. To our knowledge, this is the first study involving a retrospective analysis of ascariasis, enterobiasis and CE on a nationwide scale in Romania. It is also the first to use AutoTS technology for parasitic NTD.

Epidemiologic Study of Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Schoolchildren in the Republic of Marshall Islands

The prevalence and risk factors of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infection among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in the Marshall Islands remain unknown; thus, investigation on the status of pinworm infection rate is necessary to establish baseline data. After parents'/guardians' consent, a total of 346 children (179 boys and 167 girls) participated in this study. Individual's perianal area and thumbs were inspected by using the Scotch tape technique and cellophane tape method, respectively. For each child, demographic and risk factor data were collected by a structured questionnaire and statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 12.14% (42/346). Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in PSC who live in an urban area compared to those who live in the rural area (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis still found that PSC who live in the rural area had higher chances to acquire pinworm infection. However, no risk factors were identified to be associated with personal hygiene, sibling number, and parent's educational level or occupation. Nevertheless, a pinworm-like egg was detected on the thumb of one male participant. Children living in the rural area and thumb-sucking behavior are two of the important risk factors of transmitting pinworm infection in the PSC in the Marshall Islands. We suggested an urgent and continuous provision of adequate hygienic sensitization in the school and the community.

Parasitic risk factors in migrant horticultural families from Bolivia settled in the rural area of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objective

The aims were to diagnose intestinal parasites in migrant horticultural families in the rural area of La Plata, and assess factors that increase the risk of parasitic infection.

Materials and methods

Serial stool samples and anal swabs of 350 individuals were processed using sedimentation and flotation techniques. Socio-sanitary and environmental characteristics were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A generalized linear model was used to assess the change in parasitic prevalence with different predictor variables.

Results

Of all examined individuals, 79.1% were parasitized, and 12 parasites were identified. Blastocystis sp. (58.9%), Entamoeba coli (26.3%), Enterobius vermicularis (26.0%), and Giardia lamblia (24.0%) were the most prevalent species. Risk factors were age group (<12 years), sampling site, and a basic education of parents.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in horticultural families is associated with inadequate environmental sanitation, a limited access to education, and insufficient hygienic habits. An increase in parasitological references in integrated studies (human, animal and environmental health) would result in an understanding of the parasitic etiology, and the development of effective actions for the control of intestinal parasites.

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La Plata Horticultural area is the most important region for vegetable production in Argentina.

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79.1% of analyzed farming population was parasitized and the species found indicate an inadequate environmental sanitation.

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An increase in parasitological references in integrated studies could mitigate the effect of intestinal parasitoses.

Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Background

Enterobius vermicularis infection is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among schoolchildren in tropical and subtropical countries. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections varies in each region of Thailand; however, its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of the southern region. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of E. vermicularis infections and to identify the risk factors for infection among schoolchildren who live in rural communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand.

Results

The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.79% (23 of 397). According to a multivariate analysis, the following were found to be risk factors associated with E. vermicularis infections (P < 0.05): those of the male sex (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI 1.22–13.29), those in the 3–6 year age group (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.51–15.59), those who have a mother with a primary school education level (AOR = 11.22, 95% CI 1.75–71.77), those who have older sibling(s) (AOR = 6.25, 95% CI 1.83–21.26), those who have younger sibling(s) (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI 2.00–19.44), those who sometimes wash their hands after using the toilet (AOR = 5.25, 95% CI 1.24–22.21), those who keep their fingernails long (AOR = 29.97, 95% CI 6.16–145.85), and those who suck their fingers (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.21–10.66).

Conclusions

This was the first report that revealed the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children who live in rural areas of Southern Thailand through detection using the Scotch tape technique. This study demonstrated that the high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections in schoolchildren with siblings was a significant independent predictor and that the transmission of this infection may occur in the family through their school-age siblings. In addition, children who have poor personal hygiene have a high prevalence of E. vermicularis infections. Therefore, maintaining good handwashing habits, keeping one’s fingernails short, and avoiding sucking one’s fingers should be important preventive measures against infection. Moreover, health literacy or health education, especially for parents or the principal caretakers of children, should be implemented to reduce E. vermicularis infections.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Pinworm Infection

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic infection with pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), a human pathogen, is clinically relevant in Germany, with an estimated prevalence in childhood of 2-20%. Enterobiasis can cause major mental distress. There is little systematically verified knowledge on the treatment of this condition, and there is no corresponding German guideline. This review is, therefore, intended as a summary of the current state of knowledge.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed for literature appearing from 1 January 1990 to 5 February 2019 and containing the search terms "enterobiasis," "oxyuriasis," "Enterobius vermicula- ris," "pinworm," and "threadworm."

RESULTS

More than one billion people worldwide are thought to be infected with pinworm. Estimates of its prevalence among kindergarten and primary-school pupils in Europe are generally near 20%. Infants (<2 years of age), adolescents (>14 years of age), and adults are only sporadically affected. The main risk factors are age 4-11 years, uncontrolled anus-finger-mouth contact, nail-biting (onychophagia/peri- onychophagia), unsupervised body hygiene, and poor compliance with basic hand hygiene. No large-scale, randomized, controlled trials of treatment are available. The approved antihelminthic agents are mebendazole, pyrantel embonate, and pyrvinium embonate (success rates up to >90%). For recurrent infections, prolonged treatment for up to 16 weeks (a "pulse scheme") is recommended.

CONCLUSION

In nearly all cases, antihelminthic treatment along with attention to hygienic measures can successfully eradicate pinworm infection and prevent recurrence and autoinfection. The involvement of all persons living in the patient's house- hold, including sexual partners, is a prerequisite to the lasting success of treatment.

Pinworm infections associated with risk of psychiatric disorders-A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan: Pinworm infections and psychiatric disorders

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the association between males with pinworm infections and the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.

METHOD

A total of 2044 enrolled patients, with 511 pinworm subjects and 1533 unexposed subjects (1:3) matched for sex, age and index year, from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) from 2000 to 2015, selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). After adjusting for confounding factors, the Cox regression model was used to compare the risk of developing psychiatric disorders during the 15 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of all the enrollees, 24 in the pinworm cohort and 18 in the unexposed cohort (343.10 vs 84.96 per 100,000 person-year) developed psychiatric disorders. The Cox regression model revealed that, after adjusting for sex, age, monthly income, urbanization level, geographic region, and comorbidities, the adjusted HR was 4.581 (95% CI: 2.214-9.480, p < .001, p < .001). Pinworm infections were associated with the increased risk in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and sleep disorders, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients who suffered from pinworm infections have a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, and this finding should be considered as a timely reminder for the clinicians to provide much more attention for these patients because of their mental health issues.

Enterobius vermicularis infection: prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in kindergarten in the capital area, Republic of the Marshall Islands

BACKGROUND

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common human parasitic helminths, and children are the most susceptible group. Some behavioral and environmental factors may facilitate pinworm infection. In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the status of pinworm infections among children remains unknown.

METHODS

In Majuro City, there are 14 kindergartens with a total of 635 preschool children (PSC) whose age range of 5~6 years. The present investigation attempted to determine the pinworm prevalence and associated risk factors as well as investigate whether eggs contaminated the clothes of PSC or the ground and tables in classrooms of 14 kindergartens. Informed consent form and a self-administered questionnaire were given to parents prior to pinworm screening. Perianal specimens were collected by an adhesive scotch tape method, and clothing of belly and hip sites and the ground and tables of the classrooms were inspected using a cellophane tape method to detect any eggs contamination.

RESULTS

In total, 392 PSC (5.28 ± 0.56 yrs. old) participated in this project. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 22.4% (88/392). Boys (24.5%) had higher prevalence than girls (20.31%) (p = 0.32). PSC aged > 5 years (32.77%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than those aged ≤5 years (17.95%) (p = 0.01). A univariate analysis indicated that PSC who lived in urban areas (22.95%) had a higher prevalence than those who lived in rural areas (20.69%) (p = 0.69). The employment status of the parents showed no association with the pinworm infection rate (p > 0.05). A logistic regression analysis indicated that "having an older sister" produced a higher risk of acquiring pinworm infection for PSC compared to those who did not have an older sister (OR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.05~3.88; p = 0.04). No significant association between various other risk factors and pinworm infection was found (p > 0.05). Also, no eggs contamination was found on the clothes of the belly and hip sites or on the ground and tables in the 14 kindergartens.

CONCLUSIONS

Mass screening and treatment of infected PSC are important measures in pinworm control in the RMI.