Enterobius vermicularis Infection in Thailand (2013–2024): A Comprehensive Epidemiological Analysis: A Narrative Review
,
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of Enterobius vermicularis prevalence in Thailand from 2013 to 2024, revealing significant regional disparities and key demographic risk factors. We provided a consolidated analysis of E. vermicularis prevalence in Thailand, encompassing data from 2013 to 2024 by reviewing findings from international databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), and local Thai publications. The studies reported a striking average prevalence of 11.39% in the Northern region, with alarmingly high rates reaching 46.55% in Sukhothai’s Satchanalai District, where children aged 1-4 years accounted for 83.33% of cases. In contrast, the Southern region showed a much lower average prevalence of 1.82%, influenced by hygiene practices, parental education, and sibling presence. The Central region’s average prevalence of 4.74% was associated with age, gender assigned at birth, and parental education. Housing conditions, including inadequate sanitation and overcrowding, consistently exacerbated transmission across all regions. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including routine screenings for young children, enhanced hygiene education, and improved sanitation infrastructure, to combat E. vermicularis infections throughout Thailand effectively. Reporting this epidemiological evidence is crucial for informing and guiding effective public health policies and interventions, ultimately contributing to the reduction of E. vermicularis burden and improved population health.
1. Kaniyur V, Chandra Prasad KH, Devan PP, et al. Enterobius vermicularis in the nose: A rare entity. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005; 57:148-150.
2. Babady NE, Awender E, Geller R, Miller T, Scheetz G, Arguello H, Weisenberg SA, Pritt B. Enterobius vermicularis in a 14-year-old girl's eye. J Clin Microbiol. 2011;49:4369-4370.
3. Mallick SK, Sengupta R, Banerjee AK. Unusual presentation of Enterobius vermicularis in conjunctival sac. Trop Doct. 2015; 45:247-249.
4. Patmano M, Gümüş T, İlhan Türkel F. A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis: Enterobius vermicularis. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2021;45(3):220-222.
5. Arredondo Montero J, Bronte Anaut M. Acute appendicitis and Enterobius Vermicularis: A rare association? Ann Pathol. 2022;42(6):497-498.
6. Wong JY, Becker SN. Enterobius vermicularis ova in routine cervicovaginal smears. Light and scanning electron microscopic observations. Acta Cytol. 1982; 26:484-487.
7. Martinez-Giron R, Torre-Bayon C, Tamargo-Pelaez ML, et al. Enterobius vermicularis ova in a Pap smear: typical and uncommon morphology. Acta Cytol. 2007;51:668-670.
8. Fan CK, Chuang TW, Huang YC, et al. Enterobius vermicularis infection: prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in kindergarten in the capital area, Republic of the Marshall Islands. BMC Infect Dis. 2019;19(1):536.
9. Chen J, Gong Y, Chen Q, et al. Global burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections, 1990-2021. Infect Dis Poverty. 2024;13(1):77.
10. Janthu P, Dumidae A, Subkrasae C, et al. Prevalence and genetic analysis of Enterobius vermicularis in schoolchildren in lower northern Thailand. Parasitol Res. 2022;121(10):2955-2965.
11. Polseela R, Vitta A. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2015;5:539-542.
12. Fukraksa C, Limmongkhol A, Watchsuputr T, et al. Enterobius vermicularis Strongyloides stercoralis Minute intestinal fluke (MIF) Taenia Sukhothai Province. Science and Technology J Mahasarakham University. 2013; 32(6):794-800.
13. Baiubol P, Wiriyawattana C, Tayanram S, et al. The prevalent of intestinal parasite infestation among primary school students in a district. Naresuan Phayao J. 2017; 10(1):12-14.
14. Thunyaharn S, Yingsiwaphat V, Saichanma S, et al. Prevalence and Related Factors of Pinworm Infection in Preschool Children of Ban Mai Municipal Child Development Center, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Prog Appl Sci Tech. 2023;13(2):1-8.
15. Laoraksawong P, Pansuwan P, Krongchon S, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among Students from Elementary Schools, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. Journal of Science & Technology MSU. 2018;37(4).
16. Chuangchaiya S, Srithai C, Ponrachom C. Prevalence and risk factors for Opisthorchiasis in Nakhamin Sub-District, Phonsawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Journal of Health Science of Thailand, 33(4), 587–596.
17. Khampoosa P. Enterobius vermicularis infection in 3 to 6 year-old school children living in Nakhon Nayok Province. J Fac Physic Edu. 2017;20(1):181-190.
18. Buppan P, Kosuwin R, Srimee P. Prevalence rate of Enterobius vermicularis in Elementary school Students 1 - 3, Ongkharak District, Nakhonnayok Province. Thammsat University Medical Journal. 2018;18(2)
19. Taylor A, Saichua P, Rhongbutsri P, et al. A preliminary epidemiological study of pinworm infection in Thaklong Municipal Early Childhood Development Center and Rangsit Babies' Home, Pathum Thani, Thailand. BMC Res Notes. 2018;11(1): 603.
20. Changsap B, Wannapinyosheep S, Tantravanich S, et al. Prevalence of Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Infection among Preschool and Lower Primary School Children in Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand. Thai Journal of Public Health. 2019; 49(2).
21. Changsap B, Piapinthong A, Puttanantadet B, et al. Survey on prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Dis Control J. 2021;47(Suppl 1):839-47.
22. Kitvatanachai S, Kritsiriwutthinan K, Taylor A, Rhongbutsri P. Modified Nonnutrient Agar Plate Culture for the Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm Infections in La-Ngu District, Satun Province, Southern Thailand. J Parasitol Res. 2022; 2022:1117400.
23. Laoraksawong P, Pansuwan P, Krongchon S, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Trop Med Health. 2020;48:83.
24. Sanprasert V, Charuchaibovorn S, Bunkasem U, et al. Comparison between direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and Mini Parasep Solvent-Free Concentrator for screening of intestinal parasitic infections among school-age children. Chula Med J. 2016;60(3):255-269.
25. Kitvatanachai S, Taylor A, Rhonghutsri P, Pongstaporn W. Determine the prevalence of intestinal and soil-transmitted helminths using different copromicroscopic techniques in Krabi Province, Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2017;7(12):719-723.
26. Roongruanchai K, Sermsart B, Nuntiya M, et al. Prevalence and health effects of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Satun Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study. Siriraj Medica Journal. 2017.
27. Saksirisampant W, Prownebon J, Kulkumthorn M, et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in the central region of Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006;89(11):1928-33.
28. Oothuman P, Noor Hayati MI, Mastura MH, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis amongst adults living in hostels by six successive day examination. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 1992;23(1):82-6.
29. Sato M, Sanguankiat S, Pubampen S, Kusolsuk T. Enterobiasis: a neglected infection in adults. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2008;39(2):213-6.
30. Vose L. Pinworm in pregnancy. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2012;57(2):184-7.
31. Kanya R, Gopinathan A, Arumugam SL, et al. Atypical Manifestation of Enterobius vermicularis Infestation in Adults: A Report of a Rare Case. Cureus. 2024;16(10):e72074.
32. Pethleart A, Saichua P, Rhongbutsri P, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for pinworm infection in the kindergarten of Thammasat University, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2010;41(2):306-10.
33. Nithikathkul C, Changsap B, Wannapinyosheep S, et al. The prevalence of enterobiasis in children attending mobile health clinic of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2001;32 Suppl 2:138-42.
34. Kim DH, Son HM, Kim JY, et al. Parents' knowledge about enterobiasis might be one of the most important risk factors for enterobiasis in children. Korean J Parasitol. 2010;48(2):121-6.
35. Kassaw MW, Abebe AM, Abate BB, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations in Sekota Town, Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2020; 11:161-169.
36. Wang LC, Hwang KP, Chen ER. Enterobius vermicularis infection in schoolchildren: a large-scale survey 6 years after a population-based control. Epidemiol Infect. 2010;138(1):28-36.
37. Kim DH, Yu HS. Effect of a one-off educational session about enterobiasis on knowledge, preventative practices, and prevalence rates among schoolchildren in South Korea. PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112149.
38. Kang IS, Kim DH, An HG, et al. Impact of health education on the prevalence of enterobiasis in Korean preschool students. Acta Trop. 2012;122(1):59-63.
39. Kim DH, Cho MK, Park MK, et al. Environmental factors related to enterobiasis in a southeast region of Korea. Korean J Parasitol. 2013;51(1):139-42.
40. Özdil K, Karataş N, Zincir H. Low socioeconomic level and Enterobius vermicularis: A interventional study to children and their mothers in home. Zoonoses Public Health. 2020;67(8):882-891.
41. Chen KY, Yen CM, Hwang KP, Wang LC. Enterobius vermicularis infection and its risk factors among pre-school children in Taipei, Taiwan. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2018;51(4):559-564.
42. Balaj M, York HW, Sripada K, et al. Parental education and inequalities in child mortality: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2021; 398(10300):608-620.
43. Nithikathkul C, Akarachantachote N, Wannapinyosheep S, et al. Impact of health educational programmes on the prevalence of enterobiasis in schoolchildren in Thailand. J Helminthol. 2005;79(1):61-5.
44. González-Ramírez LC, Robalino-Flores X, De la Torre E, et al. Influence of Environmental Pollution and Living Conditions on Parasite Transmission among Indigenous Ecuadorians. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6901.
45. River MR, De Angelo C, Feliziani C, et al. Enterobiasis and its risk factors in urban, rural and indigenous children of subtropical Argentina. Parasitology. 2022;149(3): 396–406.
46. Mahmud MA, Spigt M, Bezabih AM, et al. Efficacy of Handwashing with Soap and Nail Clipping on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School-Aged Children: A Factorial Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS Med. 2015;12(6):e1001837.
47. González-Moreno O, Domingo L, Teixidor J, Gracenea M. Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitisation: a cross-sectional study among outpatients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Catalonia, Spain. Parasitol Res. 2011;108(1):87-93.
48. Matthys B, Bobieva M, Karimova G, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among children from primary schools in western Tajikistan. Parasit Vectors. 2011; 4:195.
2. Babady NE, Awender E, Geller R, Miller T, Scheetz G, Arguello H, Weisenberg SA, Pritt B. Enterobius vermicularis in a 14-year-old girl's eye. J Clin Microbiol. 2011;49:4369-4370.
3. Mallick SK, Sengupta R, Banerjee AK. Unusual presentation of Enterobius vermicularis in conjunctival sac. Trop Doct. 2015; 45:247-249.
4. Patmano M, Gümüş T, İlhan Türkel F. A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis: Enterobius vermicularis. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2021;45(3):220-222.
5. Arredondo Montero J, Bronte Anaut M. Acute appendicitis and Enterobius Vermicularis: A rare association? Ann Pathol. 2022;42(6):497-498.
6. Wong JY, Becker SN. Enterobius vermicularis ova in routine cervicovaginal smears. Light and scanning electron microscopic observations. Acta Cytol. 1982; 26:484-487.
7. Martinez-Giron R, Torre-Bayon C, Tamargo-Pelaez ML, et al. Enterobius vermicularis ova in a Pap smear: typical and uncommon morphology. Acta Cytol. 2007;51:668-670.
8. Fan CK, Chuang TW, Huang YC, et al. Enterobius vermicularis infection: prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in kindergarten in the capital area, Republic of the Marshall Islands. BMC Infect Dis. 2019;19(1):536.
9. Chen J, Gong Y, Chen Q, et al. Global burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections, 1990-2021. Infect Dis Poverty. 2024;13(1):77.
10. Janthu P, Dumidae A, Subkrasae C, et al. Prevalence and genetic analysis of Enterobius vermicularis in schoolchildren in lower northern Thailand. Parasitol Res. 2022;121(10):2955-2965.
11. Polseela R, Vitta A. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2015;5:539-542.
12. Fukraksa C, Limmongkhol A, Watchsuputr T, et al. Enterobius vermicularis Strongyloides stercoralis Minute intestinal fluke (MIF) Taenia Sukhothai Province. Science and Technology J Mahasarakham University. 2013; 32(6):794-800.
13. Baiubol P, Wiriyawattana C, Tayanram S, et al. The prevalent of intestinal parasite infestation among primary school students in a district. Naresuan Phayao J. 2017; 10(1):12-14.
14. Thunyaharn S, Yingsiwaphat V, Saichanma S, et al. Prevalence and Related Factors of Pinworm Infection in Preschool Children of Ban Mai Municipal Child Development Center, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Prog Appl Sci Tech. 2023;13(2):1-8.
15. Laoraksawong P, Pansuwan P, Krongchon S, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among Students from Elementary Schools, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. Journal of Science & Technology MSU. 2018;37(4).
16. Chuangchaiya S, Srithai C, Ponrachom C. Prevalence and risk factors for Opisthorchiasis in Nakhamin Sub-District, Phonsawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Journal of Health Science of Thailand, 33(4), 587–596.
17. Khampoosa P. Enterobius vermicularis infection in 3 to 6 year-old school children living in Nakhon Nayok Province. J Fac Physic Edu. 2017;20(1):181-190.
18. Buppan P, Kosuwin R, Srimee P. Prevalence rate of Enterobius vermicularis in Elementary school Students 1 - 3, Ongkharak District, Nakhonnayok Province. Thammsat University Medical Journal. 2018;18(2)
19. Taylor A, Saichua P, Rhongbutsri P, et al. A preliminary epidemiological study of pinworm infection in Thaklong Municipal Early Childhood Development Center and Rangsit Babies' Home, Pathum Thani, Thailand. BMC Res Notes. 2018;11(1): 603.
20. Changsap B, Wannapinyosheep S, Tantravanich S, et al. Prevalence of Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Infection among Preschool and Lower Primary School Children in Bangbo District, Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand. Thai Journal of Public Health. 2019; 49(2).
21. Changsap B, Piapinthong A, Puttanantadet B, et al. Survey on prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Dis Control J. 2021;47(Suppl 1):839-47.
22. Kitvatanachai S, Kritsiriwutthinan K, Taylor A, Rhongbutsri P. Modified Nonnutrient Agar Plate Culture for the Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm Infections in La-Ngu District, Satun Province, Southern Thailand. J Parasitol Res. 2022; 2022:1117400.
23. Laoraksawong P, Pansuwan P, Krongchon S, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Trop Med Health. 2020;48:83.
24. Sanprasert V, Charuchaibovorn S, Bunkasem U, et al. Comparison between direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and Mini Parasep Solvent-Free Concentrator for screening of intestinal parasitic infections among school-age children. Chula Med J. 2016;60(3):255-269.
25. Kitvatanachai S, Taylor A, Rhonghutsri P, Pongstaporn W. Determine the prevalence of intestinal and soil-transmitted helminths using different copromicroscopic techniques in Krabi Province, Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2017;7(12):719-723.
26. Roongruanchai K, Sermsart B, Nuntiya M, et al. Prevalence and health effects of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Satun Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study. Siriraj Medica Journal. 2017.
27. Saksirisampant W, Prownebon J, Kulkumthorn M, et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in the central region of Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006;89(11):1928-33.
28. Oothuman P, Noor Hayati MI, Mastura MH, et al. Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis amongst adults living in hostels by six successive day examination. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 1992;23(1):82-6.
29. Sato M, Sanguankiat S, Pubampen S, Kusolsuk T. Enterobiasis: a neglected infection in adults. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2008;39(2):213-6.
30. Vose L. Pinworm in pregnancy. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2012;57(2):184-7.
31. Kanya R, Gopinathan A, Arumugam SL, et al. Atypical Manifestation of Enterobius vermicularis Infestation in Adults: A Report of a Rare Case. Cureus. 2024;16(10):e72074.
32. Pethleart A, Saichua P, Rhongbutsri P, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for pinworm infection in the kindergarten of Thammasat University, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2010;41(2):306-10.
33. Nithikathkul C, Changsap B, Wannapinyosheep S, et al. The prevalence of enterobiasis in children attending mobile health clinic of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2001;32 Suppl 2:138-42.
34. Kim DH, Son HM, Kim JY, et al. Parents' knowledge about enterobiasis might be one of the most important risk factors for enterobiasis in children. Korean J Parasitol. 2010;48(2):121-6.
35. Kassaw MW, Abebe AM, Abate BB, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations in Sekota Town, Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2020; 11:161-169.
36. Wang LC, Hwang KP, Chen ER. Enterobius vermicularis infection in schoolchildren: a large-scale survey 6 years after a population-based control. Epidemiol Infect. 2010;138(1):28-36.
37. Kim DH, Yu HS. Effect of a one-off educational session about enterobiasis on knowledge, preventative practices, and prevalence rates among schoolchildren in South Korea. PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112149.
38. Kang IS, Kim DH, An HG, et al. Impact of health education on the prevalence of enterobiasis in Korean preschool students. Acta Trop. 2012;122(1):59-63.
39. Kim DH, Cho MK, Park MK, et al. Environmental factors related to enterobiasis in a southeast region of Korea. Korean J Parasitol. 2013;51(1):139-42.
40. Özdil K, Karataş N, Zincir H. Low socioeconomic level and Enterobius vermicularis: A interventional study to children and their mothers in home. Zoonoses Public Health. 2020;67(8):882-891.
41. Chen KY, Yen CM, Hwang KP, Wang LC. Enterobius vermicularis infection and its risk factors among pre-school children in Taipei, Taiwan. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2018;51(4):559-564.
42. Balaj M, York HW, Sripada K, et al. Parental education and inequalities in child mortality: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2021; 398(10300):608-620.
43. Nithikathkul C, Akarachantachote N, Wannapinyosheep S, et al. Impact of health educational programmes on the prevalence of enterobiasis in schoolchildren in Thailand. J Helminthol. 2005;79(1):61-5.
44. González-Ramírez LC, Robalino-Flores X, De la Torre E, et al. Influence of Environmental Pollution and Living Conditions on Parasite Transmission among Indigenous Ecuadorians. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6901.
45. River MR, De Angelo C, Feliziani C, et al. Enterobiasis and its risk factors in urban, rural and indigenous children of subtropical Argentina. Parasitology. 2022;149(3): 396–406.
46. Mahmud MA, Spigt M, Bezabih AM, et al. Efficacy of Handwashing with Soap and Nail Clipping on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School-Aged Children: A Factorial Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS Med. 2015;12(6):e1001837.
47. González-Moreno O, Domingo L, Teixidor J, Gracenea M. Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitisation: a cross-sectional study among outpatients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Catalonia, Spain. Parasitol Res. 2011;108(1):87-93.
48. Matthys B, Bobieva M, Karimova G, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among children from primary schools in western Tajikistan. Parasit Vectors. 2011; 4:195.
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| Issue | Vol 20 No 3 (2025) | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| E. vermicularis Epidemiology Hygiene Public health Thailand | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Khampoosa P, Haruay S. Enterobius vermicularis Infection in Thailand (2013–2024): A Comprehensive Epidemiological Analysis: A Narrative Review. Iran J Parasitol. 2025;20(3):327-336.
