Question

Scientific name of pinworm of man is
(a)Trichinella spiralis
(b)Dracunculus medinensis
(c)Trichuris trichiura
(d)Enterobius vermicularis

Answer 1

Hint: Human pinworms are commonly known as seat worms and threadworms. The medical condition associated with pinworm infestation is known as pinworm infection or enterobiasis, whose primary symptom is itching in the anal area.

Complete answer:
The scientific name of the human pinworm is Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworms are white, parasitic worms that can live in the large intestine of humans. They are about one-half inch long. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestinal tract and lay their eggs on the skin around the anus. Pinworm infection is generally asymptomatic; asymptomatic carriers are common. If the infestation is left untreated, pinworm infections can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Pinworms can also travel from the anus into the vagina, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This may result in other infections, including vaginitis and endometritis. Transmission can occur via direct contact with contaminated, bedclothes, bedding, towels, toilets, doorknobs, or other objects. The parasite can also be transmitted during sexual contact.

Additional Information: -The entire life cycle of pinworm, from egg to adult, takes place in the human gastrointestinal tract of a single host.
-The life cycle begins with eggs being ingested. The eggs hatch in the duodenum
-The emerging pinworm larvae grow rapidly and migrate through the small intestine towards the colon. During this migration, they moult twice and become adults.
So, the correct answer is ‘Enterobius vermicularis'.

Note: -Females survive for 5 to 13 weeks and males for about 7 weeks.
-The male and female pinworms mate in the ileum, after that the male pinworms usually die. They are then passed out with stool.
- The gravid female pinworms settle in the ileum, caecum, appendix, and ascending colon. where they attach themselves to the mucosa and ingest colonic contents.