ENTEROBIASIS: A NEGLECTED INFECTION IN ADULTS

Abstract. In this study, adult patients were treated with praziquantel to expel intestinal flukes. Unexpectedly, dozens of adult Enterobius vermicularis worms with disfigured morphology, which had not been detected on fecal examination using Kat’s modified thick-smear technique, were expelled from 6 of 33 patients. ous complications, such as extra-intestinal infections, may occur but are uncommon (Djakovic et al, 2006). The cellulose-tape technique (Scotch-tape technique) has proven to be an effective diagnostic technique. Fecal-smear examina-tion is not generally used for E. vermicularis detection since female worms lay eggs in the perianal region, outside the host body, so eggs are rarely found in fecal samples. Albendazole, mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate are effec-tive drugs for the treatment of E. vermicularis (Horton, 2000). Praziquantel is not commonly used, but is the drug of choice for treating flat-worms and flukes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mass fecal examinations to recover liver flukes (Opisthorchis viverrini), and intestinal flukes (Haplorchis spp) were conducted by Kat’s modified thick smear technique (Katz et al, 1972), in Nan Province, northern Thailand (Fig 1) during 10-15 September 2006. The study cohort consisted of 479 participants with an age range of 20-95 years. Treatment was with praziquantel